Junior ABs team to clash with Japan named

Junior All Blacks co-coach Ian Foster is keen for his team to build on their 45-17 win over hosts Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup last Thursday when they meet Japan on Tuesday.

"We had a good game against Fiji and are keen to keep improving. Our goal as a team is to shift our performance up a notch with every game," Foster said today.

"Japan is a very structured and disciplined side and we saw from their performance against Tonga that they are very capable team."

Southland's Jamie Mackintosh and Wellington's Alby Mathewson, who both rejoined the squad in Fiji following injury, have been named on the bench.

The team is: Israel Dagg, Robert Fruean, Tamati Ellison (captain), Callum Bruce, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Sean Romans, Sione Lauaki, Alando Soakai, Victor Vito, Tom Donnelly, Craig Clarke, John Schwalger, Hikawera Elliot, Jacob Ellison.

Reserves: Ben Franks, Jamie Mackintosh, Jason Eaton, Karl Lowe, Alby Mathewson, Stephen Brett, Anthony Tuitavake.