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The Māori All Blacks head coach, Tamati Ellison (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Whakaue), has named his match-day 23 (see below) to tackle a Japan XV this Saturday.
“There’s been great energy throughout the week,” he says “The players have embraced the challenge, connected strongly as a group and prepared well for what we know will be a committed Japan XV side.”
Live on Sky Sport, the match kicks off at 10:05pm (NZ time) at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, Nagoya. Fireworks are expected, Ellison contends.
“When people watch the Māori All Blacks, they expect us to play with intent. We want to be fast, physical, move the ball, back our skills and play an exciting brand of rugby that reflects who we are,” he says.
“We want play with the flair and ambition that people expect and the opportunity to represent our people and our culture is something this group is incredibly proud of.”
The squad features a balance of youth and experience.
Five players will make their Māori All Blacks debut, with Adam Lennox, Reon Paul, Tahlor Cahill, Torian Barnes and Payton Spencer all set to earn their first caps, while experienced midfielder Bailyn Sullivan will captain the side.
Sullivan was the ideal choice to lead, Ellison adds.
“Bailyn leads through his actions on the field. He represents the style of rugby we want to play as the Māori All Blacks, fast, physical and built around the way we want to express ourselves.
“He made his debut for the Māori All Blacks in 2022 and has grown into an experienced member of this group. He has been able to learn from the leaders who have come before him, and now it’s his time to step forward.”
The bench features experienced impact across the forwards and backs, giving the coaching group plenty of options to maintain pressure and finish strongly.
The team is:
1. Ollie Norris (Ngāpuhi)
2. Tyrone Thompson (Ngaii Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Rangiwewehi)
3. Marcel Renata (Ngāti Whanaunga)
4. Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu)
5. Tahlor Cahill* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Raukawa)
6. Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe)
7. Jahrome Brown (Ngāti Porou)
8. Torian Barnes* (Ngāti Whātua)
9. Adam Lennox* (Ngāti Kūia, Ngāti Raukawa)
10. Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine)
11. Reon Paul* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou)
12. Xavi Taele (Ngāi Tahu)
13. Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu) – captain
14. Payton Spencer* (Ngāti Kahungunu, Mūaupoko)
15. Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa)
16. Jacob Devery (Te Aitanga a Mahaki)
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi)
18. Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi)
19. Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa)
20. Nikora Broughton (Ngārauru, Ngāti Ruanui)
21. Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi)
22. Taha Kemara (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Whakatōhea)
23. Kyle Brown* (Waikato)
*Denotes Māori All Blacks debut
