The Māori All Blacks found themselves in the unfamiliar position of facing a haka when they arrived in Tokyo on Thursday. The team is in the Japanese capital for two matches and received a big welcome from local fans during a reception.
Coach Ross Filipo said the turnout was "really awesome".
"To arrive in Japan and receive a welcome like this, it's really, really special. So yeah, I'm a bit blown away," said Filipo, who noted that a rendition of the haka by local school children was "executed well".
"They gave it such mana, it was really cool to see. Obviously the boys felt compelled to respond in the right manner by doing Ka Mate."
Filipo has named a strong side for the first game against a Japan XV, with Crusaders first five Rivez Reihana set to start on debut. Chiefs vice-captain Rameka Poihipi will also represent the Māori All Blacks for the first time, while in the second row Laghlan McWhannell earns his first cap too. Coles Forbes also pulls on the jersey for the first time at fullback, after an impressive season for the Blues.
Max Hicks and Tana Tuhakaraina are set to debut off the bench as well, with 57-test All Black Joe Moody set to represent the team for the first time since 2015.
"They are all fully deserving of their selections. I'm really excited for them and their whānau, it's going to be a massive occasion whether they've travelled to watch or are watching at home," said Filipo.
Māori All Blacks v Japan XV
Kick-off: 10pm Saturday, 29 June NZT
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Māori All Blacks (*uncapped): Joe Moody (Ngai Tahu), Kurt Eklund (Ngati Kahu), Marcel Renata (Ngati Whanaunga, Ngai Takoto), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngati Porou), Laghlan McWhannell* (Ngati Kahungunu), Cameron Suafoa (Ngapuhi), Billy Harmon (Ngai Tahu), Cullen Grace (Ngati Whakaue), Sam Nock (Ngapuhi), Rivez Reihana* (Ngai Tahu, Ghati Hine, Ngapuhi, Ngati Tuwharetoa), Bailyn Sullivan (Ngati Kahungunu), Quinn Tupaea (Ngaati Tiipa, Ngaati Amaru, Waikato), Daniel Rona* (Te Atiawa), Josh Moorby (Ngati Manipoto), Cole Forbes* (Ngati Awa)
Bench: Tyrone Thompson (Ngati Rangiwewehi, Ngai Tamanuhiri), Ollie Norris (Ngapuhi), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngapuhi), Max Hicks* (Ngati Ranginui), Te Kamaka Howden (Tuhoe), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngati Rangitihi, Ngati Pikiao, Tuhourangi, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Awa), Rameka Poihipi (Ngati Whakaue), Tana Tuhakaraina* (Ngati Haua)
