McCaw, Carter set to face Japan

Richie McCaw will captain New Zealand in a Test against Japan to get him match-fit before the All Blacks head to Europe.

Richie McCaw will captain New Zealand in a Test against Japan to get him match-fit before the All Blacks head to Europe.

New Zealand, who are on a 10-match unbeaten run, had originally planned to rest McCaw and fly-half Daniel Carter among a core of experienced players, but will field the duo against the Brave Blossoms in Tokyo on November 2.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named a touring squad of 36 for the tour to Japan, France, England and Ireland.

“Richie will captain the team, he needs some rugby and will play at least half a game,” Hansen told reporters on Wednesday.

“We also need DC (Carter) to get some rugby too but some like Kieran Read won't be required.”

Hansen said nine senior players would fly directly to Paris to prepare for the November 9 Test against France but has held off naming them until assessing the squad after the Saturday's ITM Cup final between Wellington and Canterbury.

“It will probably upset some people, but at the same time we have to prepare to play a test match,” Hansen added.