Bledisloe 4- teams are named.

Australia and New Zealand are about to battle it out in Bledisloe 4, Tokyo will be the venue and both sides have named powerful lineups. Australia have been under the hammer in the last 6 encounters with NZ, they have had a few changes and under the guidence of new captain Rocky Elsom they will be itching to defeat the All Blacks.

The territory is neutral and new, for the first time they will play in Tokyo in front of a jovial Japanese crowd. Once they step foot on the grass though it will be familiar scenes as 2 great rivals aim to kick start their northern tours in style.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said the side’s historic first-ever Bledisloe Cup Test in Japan would be another massive challenge between two great rugby rivals.

“Both sides will be looking to kick off their respective tours with a strong performance so, as always, we are expecting there to be a lot of intensity and a real edge to this Test,” he said.

Henry said the All Blacks were also enjoying the Test build-up in Tokyo.

“We have been welcomed with open arms by the Japanese people and the team is certainly enjoying the hospitality and culture here and looking forward to playing in front of the Japanese fans.”

The All Blacks team is:

1. Tony Woodcock (58 Tests) 2. Andrew Hore (43) 3. Neemia Tialata (37) 4. Brad Thorn (33) 5. Tom Donnelly (1) 6. Adam Thomson (12) 7. Richie McCaw – captain (76) 8. Rodney So’oialo (60) 9. Jimmy Cowan (28) 10. Dan Carter (62) 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu (39) 12. Ma’a Nonu (42) 13. Conrad Smith (25) 14. Cory Jane (7) 15. Mils Muliaina (77)
Reserves:
16. Corey Flynn (5) 17. John Afoa (20) 18. Jason Eaton (13) 19. Kieran Read (12) 20. Brendon Leonard (12) 21. Stephen Donald (16) 22. Tamati Ellison - uncapped

The Australian team is:

15. Adam Ashley-Cooper(Brumbies)  14. Peter Hynes(Queensland Reds)13. Ryan Cross(Western Force) 12.Berrick Barnes(Queensland Reds)11. Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)10. Matt Giteau(Western Force)9. Will Genia(Queensland Reds)8. Wycliff Palu(NSW Waratahs)7. David Pocock(Western Force)6. Rocky Elsom(Brumbies, captain)5. Mark Chisholm(Brumbies)4. James Horwill(Queensland Reds)3. Ben Alexander(Brumbies)2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW Waratahs)1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)

Run on reserves:

16. Stephen Moore  (Brumbies)17. Matt Dunning(Western Force)18. Dean Mumm(NSW Waratahs)19. George Smith(Brumbies)

20. Luke Burgess(NSW Waratahs)21. Drew Mitchell(Western Force)22. James O’Connor(Western Force)