Kurt Eklund. Photo: Photosport
A new crop of Māori All Blacks will make their debuts this weekend against Japan.
As well as the new faces, a new skipper will take the helm in the form of hooker Kurt Eklund.
Head Coach Ross Filipo said he's been thoroughly impressed with the players returning after their respective Super Rugby campaigns.
"It's a tight turnaround for us with plenty of our players in the final on Saturday night and then coming straight into this environment. Selections were tough, and our coaching group spent quite some time together to make sure we had the right mix to take the field in Tokyo. We are determined to right a wrong from our last game in Aichi in 2024."
Eklund anchors the scrum with debutant Jacob Devery as impact, alongside props 31-year-old Jared Proffit and Kershawl Sykes-Martin in his debut.
Isaia Walker-Leawere and Laghlan McWhannell make up the locking duo, while Jahrome Brown and Te Kamaka Howden have been named in the loose forwards. Cullen Grace completes an experienced forward pack at number eight.
Three-time Māori All Black Sam Nock comes in as halfback and after a stellar Super Rugby Pacific season, Rivez Reihana has been named as first-five.
Bailyn Sullivan and Gideon Wrampling will bring their strong ball carrying skills in the midfield, Jonah Lowe and Cole Forbes will start as wingers, with Zarn Sullivan rounding out the backs.
Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Benet Kumeroa, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Kaleb Trask and Xavi Taele have been named as reinforcements.
Māori All Blacks v Japan XV
Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium
9.05pm Saturday, 28 June
1. Jared Proffit*, Ngāti Porou
2. Kurt Eklund, Ngāti Kahu (C)
3. Kerswhal Sykes-Martin*, Ngāti Porou
4. Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ngāti Porou
5. Laghlan McWhannell, Ngāti Kahungunu
6. Te Kamaka Howden, Tūhoe
7. Jahrome Brown*, Ngāti Porou
8. Cullen Grace, Ngāti Whakaue
9. Sam Nock, Ngāpuhi
10. Rivez Reihana, Ngāphui, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine
11. Jonah Lowe, Ngāti Pikiao
12. Gideon Wrampling*, Ngāpuhi
13. Bailyn Sullivan, Ngāti Kahungunu
14. Cole Forbes, Ngāti Awa
15. Zarn Sullivan, Ngāti Kahungunu
Bench
16. Jacob Devery*, Te Aitanga a Mahaki
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, Ngāpuhi
18. Benet Kumeroa, Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi
19. Zach Gallagher*, Te Ātiawa
20. Caleb Delany, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
21. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara*, Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou
22. Kaleb Trask, Ngāpuhi
23. Xavi Taele*, Ngāi Tahu
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
