Japan captain Michael Leitch has declared that the All Blacks’ inexperience means now is the 'Brave Blossoms' best chance to finally beat the World Champions in Tokyo on Saturday.
That result would be a massive upset, arguably bigger than Japan's World Cup triumph over South Africa in 2015.
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Former Chiefs flanker Leitch is a hero in his new home, especially now with local media excited about the prospect of another major rugby boilover.
With only 178 combined caps in Saturday's All Blacks lineup, Leitch acknowledges the time is now.
"Yeah, when you look at the number of test match collectively in the team it's not so much," Leitch told Newshub.
"There's an opportunity to pressure their leadership group and if you take the All Blacks down it'll be tomorrow."
It's a Kiwi brains trust devising Japan's shot at history.
Jamie Joseph and assistant Tony Brown have brought in Hurricanes coach John Plumtree to mastermind their defence.
Leitch says Plumtree's drastically changed their system for the better.
"The Japanese have always been a passive team and he's been telling us to get off the line and press them through line speed.
It means everything about Japan’s game is now helter-skelter and the All Blacks coach is well aware of that.
"They'll play at 100 miles an hour and very skilfully at 100 miles an hour," Hansen told
"They like lightning quick ball. They don’t want a physical contest."
They want to get the ball wide to their star winger is Kenki Fukuoka.
He's only 83 kilograms but has scored 17 tries in 26 tests and Japan-based Robbie Deans rates him.
"He would make genuinely any international side in the world," Deans told Newshub.
"He's a remarkable player. Very fast, sees no obstacles and is retiring from the game after the World Cup to become a doctor."
If Japan does have a chance to beat the All Blacks it seems that speed is key.
Newshub.
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the All Blacks vs Japan rugby test in Tokyo.
