All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is urging his young players to impress on this year's end of year tour, telling them to make the most of their time on tour with his side.
With Hansen having named a whopping 51-man squad for the Japanese leg of this year's end of year tour, it's apparent that the All Blacks' coach is casting an eye to the future, trying to bed players into give them experience with the travelling squad, especially with next year's World Cup being held in Japan.
Speaking as his side departed from Auckland Airport this afternoon though, Hansen said that the large squad was about looking to the future, even past the 2019 World Cup tilt.
"It's the start of their turn to have a crack at the jersey," Hansen said.
"Some of these guys are players that we've picked for way beyond next year.
"It's important that they start well, and they get a feeling for what it's like and get used to the pressure that comes with being an All Black, and the scrutiny that comes with it.
"It can be an overwhelming time for them, so we've got to make sure we do that right for them."
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