Former All Blacks Joe Moody, Cullen Grace, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and Quinn Tupaea have been included in the Māori All Blacks squad to face Japan XV over the next two weeks.
Ten players are in line for debuts with the team, including both first-fives Taha Kemara and Rivez Reihana of the Crusaders.
The group also features seven players from the Super Rugby Pacific champion Blues, including rookies Laghlan McWhannell, Corey Evans and Cole Forbes.
Of those that missed selection on coach Scott Robertson's first All Blacks squad, probably Tupaea came closest. After suffering a knee injury that saw him miss the entire 2023 campaign, he returned to Super Rugby with the Chiefs this season, but eventually lost his spot in the starting XV to Māori teammate Rameka Poihipi.
"The 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," said new Māori coach Ross Filipo. "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 whānau, heritage and country on the world stage."
The first encounter is scheduled for Tokyo on Saturday, with the second a week later.
Māori All Blacks
Props: Benet Kumeroa*, Joe Moody, Ollie Norris, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Marcel Renata
Hookers: Kurt Eklund, Tyrone Thompson
Locks: Tahlor Cahill*, Max Hicks, Laghlan McWhannell*, Isaia Walker-Leawere
Loose forwards: Nikora Broughton*, Cullen Grace, Billy Harmon, Te Kamaka Howden, Cameron Suafoa
Halfbacks: Sam Nock, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
First five-eighths: Taha Kemara*, Rivez Reihana*
Midfield: Corey Evans*, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona*, Bailyn Sullivan, Quinn Tupaea
Outside backs: Cole Forbes*, Josh Moorby, Tana Tuhakaraina*
*new cap
