Heavy hitters named in Maori All Blacks squad for Japan XV series
The Maori All Blacks squad has been announced ahead of their two-Test series against Japan XV.
The squad is led by former All Black and current Chiefs assistant coach Ross Filipo, who is joined by Roger Randle, Greg Feek and Jamie Joseph as the brains trust behind the selections.
Filipo said the 28-strong squad features players who impressed throughout the recently concluded Super Rugby Pacific season, including a number of new faces.
“The DHL Super Rugby Pacific campaign provided us with a solid platform to select from as the competitiveness shown by the players is exactly what we need against Japan XV. Our new players have been rewarded for their consistency and it’s great to see the return of many others to this environment.
“I’d like to congratulate every player in our squad on their selection. Playing for this team is a huge honour and this is an opportunity for us all to represent our whanau, heritage and country on the world stage,” Filipo said.
New Zealand Maori Rugby Board Chair, Professor Dame Farah Palmer spoke to the meaning of the Maori All Blacks in 2024.
“One of our pou in the New Zealand Maori Rugby strategy is Angitutanga - uplifting Maori lives. We want Maori to be successful as Maori and to pursue excellence and we know they will represent our culture with mana on the international stage.
“On behalf of the Maori Rugby Board, I’d like to congratulate every player and their whanau on making the Maori All Blacks. We are immensely proud of you and cannot wait to support you all in this campaign,” Palmer said.
Maori All Blacks squad
Props
Benet Kumeroa* (Te Atihaunui a Paparangi/Bay of Plenty/Hurricanes)
Joe Moody (Ngai Tahu/Canterbury/Crusaders)
Marcel Renata (Ngati Whanaunga, Ngai Takoto/Auckland/Blues)
Ollie Norris (Ngapuhi/Waikato/Chiefs)
Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngapuhi/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)
Hookers
Kurt Eklund (Ngati Kahu/Bay of Plenty/Blues)
Tyrone Thompson (Ngati Kahungunu/Chiefs)
Locks
Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngati Porou/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)
Laghlan McWhannell* (Ngati Kahungunu/Waikato/Blues)
Max Hicks (Ngati Ranginui/Tasman/Highlanders)
Tahlor Cahill* (Ngapuhi/Canterbury/Crusaders)
Loose forwards
Billy Harmon (Ngai Tahu/Canterbury/Highlanders)
Cameron Suafoa (Ngapuhi/North Harbour/Blues)
Cullen Grace (Ngati Whakaue/Canterbury/Crusaders)
Nikora Broughton* (Nga Rauru, Ngati Ruanui/Bay of Plenty/Highlanders)
Te Kamaka Howden (Tuhoe/Manawatu/Hurricanes)
Half Backs
Sam Nock (Ngapuhi/Northland/Blues)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngati Rangitihi, Ngati Pikiao, Tuhourangi, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Awa/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs)
First five-eighths
Rivez Reihana* (Ngai Tahu, Ngati Hine, Ngapuhi, Ngati Tuwharetoa/Northland/Crusaders)
Taha Kemara* (Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Whakatohea/Waikato/Crusaders)
Midfield
Bailyn Sullivan (Ngati Kahungunu/Waikato/Hurricanes)
Corey Evans* (Te Aupouri, Ngati Kahu/Northland/Blues)
Daniel Rona* (Te Atiawa/Taranaki/Chiefs)
Rameka Poihipi (Ngati Whakaue/Canterbury/Chiefs)
Quinn Tupaea (Ngaati Tiipa, Ngaati Amaru, Waikato/Waikato/Chiefs)
Outside Backs
Cole Forbes* (Ngati Awa/Bay of Plenty/Blues)
Josh Moorby (Ngati Maniapoto/Waikato/Hurricanes)
Tana Tuhakaraina* (Ngati Haua/Waikato/Chiefs)
Unavailable for selection due to injury:
Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Ngati Raukawa)
Shaun Stevenson (Ngapuhi)
Jared Profitt (Ngati Porou)
Schedule:
Maori All Blacks v Japan XV
Saturday, 29 June, 10.00pm NZST (7.00pm JST)
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Maori All Blacks v Japan XV
Saturday, 6 July, 9.00pm NZST (6.00pm JST)
Toyota Stadium, Toyota
Latest Comments
Love how you always bring to mind the most topical insights from rugby around the globe Nick. Some of my recent impressions; > You replied that was a lack of blasting rugby in all the finals, and pointed to some French teams. Those French games were all about blasting the other side away. > Pointed out earlier that the French leagues popularity is it’s cultural difference off the field, not the rugby. > That English broadcast Top 14 Final, with the F1 guy, Mehrtens, and the language guy, was all class. Them and Dupontamack made that Final an absolute blast. > I love rugby on South African grounds. > Such a shame some games have been ruined recently. Then you see a chaser get absolute cleaned out off the ball and theres not even a card, let alone a Red. > My favourite game of rugby was the Bulls semi. That Final was great too but I thought a clear drop in standards/intensity.
Go to commentsBeauden is short of a run meanwhile DMac has had plenty of tough games in the last two months so DMac should get the nod based on consistency, form and game time in the saddle. Beauden would go well at either fullback or on the bench. The big question is who plays at halfback. TJ is a fierce and chirpy competitor, Finlay has good form, and Ratima knows DMac the best.
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