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MELBOURNE, May 7 : The Auckland Blues will look to prove they are the real deal in Super Rugby Pacific on a tough road trip to the Canterbury Crusaders, while Australia's underperforming sides scrap to keep in touch with the playoffs positions.
Loose forward Simon Parker earned his first call-up to the All Blacks squad on Monday, while Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi returned to the fold for the Rugby Championship after missing the July series against France because of injury.
All Blacks scrumhalf Cam Roigard will play his first test of the year while Peter Lakai and Ruben Love should make their international debuts on Saturday after they were included in the matchday squad to take on Japan in Yokohama.
Patrick Tuipulotu was on Tuesday named All Blacks captain for the first time as they prepare to face Japan in Yokohama, with Damian McKenzie replacing Beauden Barrett at flyhalf.
Scrumhalf Cam Roigard battled back from injury to make New Zealand's northern tour squad named on Monday, a largely settled group which featured soon-to-retire veterans Sam Cane and TJ Perenara.
The All Blacks have confirmed captain Scott Barrett will miss their opening two Rugby Championship tests against Argentina as he recovers from a finger injury and said Ardie Savea will lead the team in his absence.
Wing Mark Tele'a scored two tries on Saturday as New Zealand squeezed past England 24-17 to win a hard-fought second Test in Auckland.
England Rugby said on Friday that fullback George Furbank has withdrawn from the side with a back injury on the eve of the second and final Test against New Zealand.