New Zealand players perform a haka during the Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. Photo / AP
New Zealand players perform a haka during the Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. Photo / AP
The All Blacks are about to send a small army overseas with coach Steve Hansen indicating a whopping 51 players will be used to deal with Australia, Japan and three northern hemisphere opponents.
After the initial assignment against Australia in Yokohama late this month, the main squad of 32 willbe split with about 10 remaining to play Japan in Tokyo where they will be joined by a reserve force of 19.
The rest of the main squad, under the guidance of trainer Nic Gill, will head north early where England, Ireland and Italy await.
It's a great opportunity for a lucky few to nab All Black jerseys, although an admittedly limited history suggests a test against Japan is not the foundation for a long career.
Blues loose forward Blake Gibson has leapt into the early headlines, as a potential clip-on in Nippon.
Blake Gibson...another one test wonder? Photo / Photosport
Back in 2013, four players made their debuts for the All Blacks in Tokyo, but none became test stars. For two others, it was the end of a very short road.
Luke Whitelock The roaring success. Had to wait another four years to play another test, and has amassed a total of six tests. Was a late withdrawal against Argentina recently giving Ardie Savea a starting chance. It was a break that Savea hasn't wasted, sending Whitelock back to the also-rans.
Remember him...Frank Halai in his only test appearance in 2013. Photo / Photosport
Frank Halai For flying Frank Halai, the Tonga-born wing from Counties Manukau, this was his only appearance in the famous black jersey. Halai, who scored a try in the romp, headed to Europe a couple of years later and currently plays for Pau in France.
Dominic Bird The tallest-ever All Black played one more test, against Scotland the following year, and was never seen in black again. The Chiefs lock recently signed for a French club.
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen The tall Hurricanes prop is still on the All Black fringes, but Tokyo 2013 remains his only test. He got about 10 minutes in that game and might get another crack this time, although he has dropped down the prop pecking order again.
Francis Saili The last of two tests for the Auckland midfield back, who now plays in Europe.
Tom Taylor The last of three tests for the Canterbury inside back, who is also at Pau.
