'Some young guys have really got us thinking': Jason Ryan reacts to Japan win

Milestones were registered for the All Blacks in Tokyo over the weekend with debuts, first starts and a brand-new captain rolled out by the Kiwi selectors, selectors who admit they have been left with some headaches from the contest.

With a contingent of established starters boarding an advance party for London prior to the Japan Test, it could be seen as a foregone conclusion who will earn selection for the England clash at Allianz Stadium.

However, as All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan was quick to point out following his side’s big win, there’s no room for complacency in the All Blacks.

“A lot of young guys took their opportunity. It was a different-looking All Blacks team when you think about it,” the coach told Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine.

“I think the fact that it wasn’t perfect was good for us as well, we started and they put us on our heels but we stayed really composed and some young guys have really got us thinking and I think that’s exciting.

“Last time we played Japan we won by four points, so to actually put them away quite convincingly was pleasing.”

The Japanese managed to find parity in the scrum for much of the contest and even outperformed the Kiwis in lineout success, but Ryan says he liked what he saw from a number of his young forwards.

“We don’t say we want them to put pressure on us, we just want them to take their opportunity,” the coach continued. “If we talk too much, for young guys who are trying to find their way at the international level, about pressure, well that’ll make them tighten up.

“But, if you look at a few individuals, if you look at Pasilio Tosi, he started his first Test match as tighthead today and he went really well. Samipeni Finau got an opportunity at six, he hasn’t had much Test footy, did really well. Even Asafo Aumua – I’m just talking from a forwards point of view – it gets us thinking.

“Cam Roigard’s back as well, it just makes us think differently about our selection and make the boys understand this is going to be a hard team to pick. When we get that and when we build these guys’ confidence and they get exposed to Test rugby and pressure moments, it’s exciting.”

It seems the New Zealand production line is still firing on all cylinders, with world-class talents at the ready for higher honours.

The team will of course have the All Blacks XV alongside them over the coming weeks in Europe, with fringe All Blacks expected to split time between the environments to benefit from both the top-level coaching and trainings and game time.

Peter Lakai was initially named in the All Blacks XV squad but benefitted from a trio of loose forward injuries to make his debut in Tokyo, signalling the chance to make the step up could be right around the corner for any of the XV squad members.

“Any All Blacks, whether they debut or have played 50-odd Tests, they get an opportunity. We’ve obviously sent some boys to London who are already over there, but we’re pretty clear on the squad we want to pick, after tonight, against England.

“But, we celebrate the fact that we have two new All Blacks. That’s special on its own. Any Test win is special but I just think with how we did this week, the pressure they’ve put on with selection around multiple positions is really encouraging.”