If the Chinese are prepared to foot the bill 100%, NZF could try assemble a larger than normal squad, over the 4 matches.
An ALM heavy team to play Turkmenistan and even China. This could also be the type of side that plays India in the November window. Many of those to return to NZ/Aussie post the 2 games in China.
Whilst lots of the Euro based big names like Wood to fly directly into Japan a bit later.
It's the start of a new WC cycle. Chance to spread the net and look to see how some of Hughes, Piper, Ben Gibson, Sheridan etc might go at international level
An ALM heavy team to play Turkmenistan and even China. This could also be the type of side that plays India in the November window. Many of those to return to NZ/Aussie post the 2 games in China.
Whilst lots of the Euro based big names like Wood to fly directly into Japan a bit later.
It's the start of a new WC cycle. Chance to spread the net and look to see how some of Hughes, Piper, Ben Gibson, Sheridan etc might go at international level