TJ Perenara and Brad Weber have both been named in a strong Māori All Blacks squad for their two-match series against Ireland. Neither halfback was included in All Blacks coach Ian Foster's squad at Monday's team naming, but could play their way into contention for future selection with good performances against the visitors. It will be the first time the Māori All Blacks have played Ireland since 2010, with two mid-week matches to be played in Hamilton on June 29, and Wellington on July 12. Coach Clayton McMillan is looking to the much-anticipated series and is confident he's struck the balance right with his squad. "We are expecting a fierce challenge from Ireland, to be playing a tier one nation at home in Aotearoa has been long awaited," McMillan said. "The squad named is a mix of experienced players who know how to perform at this level, and players that bring fresh perspective and energy to the game," "We are lucky to have three experienced All Blacks in the squad in TJ Perenara (Ngāti Rangitihi), Brad Weber (Ngāti Porou) and Tyrel Lomax (Muaupoko / Ngāi Tūhoe), I’m looking forward to the passion and knowledge they will bring. This is also a great opportunity for our 11 new caps, there is immense pride in pulling on the Māori All Blacks jersey and with that representing their heritage, their whānau, and their country. "These two fixtures against Ireland will allow players to showcase what they have and put their best foot forward on an international stage. The presence of two former Māori All Blacks in the Ireland side, Jamison Gibson-Park (Ngāti Porou / Ngāi Tai) and James Lowe (Ngāpuhi / Ngāi Te Rangi) adds to the special nature of this match." |
McMillan and his co-coaches Roger Randle and Chris Gibbes are still to announce who will captain the side.
The Māori All Blacks have played Ireland on just two previous occasions, the most famous being the New Zealand Natives 13-4 win at Landsdowne Road in Dublin in 1888. The only other match between the two sides was in 2010 at Rotorua International Stadium where the Māori All Blacks won a thrilling match 31-28.
Māori All Blacks squad:
Props: Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Marcel Renata, Jermaine Ainsley*, Tyrel Lomax
Hookers: Leni Apisai, Kurt Eklund, Tyrone Thompson*
Locks: Isaia Walker-Leawere, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Dickson
Loose Forwards: Reed Prinsep, Caleb Delany*, Billy Harmon, Te Kamaka (TK) Howden*, Cameron Suafoa*
Half Backs: TJ Perenara*, Brad Weber
First Five: Josh Ioane, Ruben Love*
Midfield: Alex Nankivell, Rameka Poihipi, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan*
Outside Backs: Connor Garden-Bachop*, Josh Moorby*, Zarn Sullivan*, Shaun Stevenson
*New caps
