Isaia Walker-Leawere for the Maori All Blacks against a Japan XV in Tokyo on Saturday 19 June 2024. Photo: Photosport
A new skipper and three debutants will be blooded for the Māori All Blacks in their second clash against a Japan XV tomorrow night.
Head coach Ross Filipo (Muaūpoko) has made a handful of changes to his team as they look to secure their second win, and the series.
Among the new faces are Taha Kemara (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Whakatōhea), Nikora Broughton (Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruanui) and Corey Evans (Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu) joining from the bench.
Following impressive debuts last weekend halfback Rivez Reihana (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), fullback Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa), lock Laghlan McWhannel (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Benet Kumeroa (Te Ātihaunui a Pāpārangi) remain in the 23.
Other starting XV changes have been made in the forwards with Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi) in loosehead prop, Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe) as flanker and Cameron Suafoa (Ngāpuhi) shifts to number eight.
The side will be captained by Rameka Poihipi (Ngāti Whakaue) for the first time who will step in as starting centre.
Following the concussion of Daniel Rona (Te Ātiawa) and calf injury to prop Joe Moody (Ngāi Tahu) last weekend, both were unavailable for game two selections and travelled home earlier this week.
Māori All Blacks v Japan XV
Kick-off: 9pm, Saturday 6 July
Toyota Stadium, Tokyo
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport.
Māori All Blacks (*uncapped): Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi), Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu), Marcel Renata (Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāi Takoto), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngāti Porou), Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu), Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe), Billy Harmon (Ngāi Tahu), Cameron Suafoa (Ngāpuhi), Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi), Rivez Reihana (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu), Quinn Tupaea (Ngaati Tiipa, Ngaati Amaru, Waikato), Rameka Poihipi - captain (Ngāti Whakaue), Josh Moorby (Ngāti Maniapoto), Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa)
Bench: Tyrone Thompson (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri), Ollie Norris (Ngāpuhi), Benet Kumeroa (Te Ātihaunui a Pāpārangi), Max Hicks (Ngāti Ranginui), Nikora Broughton* (Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruanui), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Pikiao, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Awa), Taha Kemara* (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Whakatōhea), Corey Evans* (Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu)
