Maori All Blacks reveal new-look backline for second Ireland clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: TJ Perenara will lead the Maori All Blacks after being included as one of six new faces in the starting side for their midweek tour match against Ireland in Wellington on Tuesday.
Coach Clayton McMillan surprised by overhauling a backline which was impressive when the teams met in Ireland’s tour opener in Hamilton on June 29, when the Maori side won 32-17.
Four changes to the back division includes a promotion from the replacements bench of 78-Test veteran Perenara to start at scrumhalf in place of fellow-All Black Brad Weber, who will be on the bench.
McMillan has introduced a new midfield of Bailyn Sullivan and Alex Nankivell and has handed a Maori All Blacks debut to fullback Josh Moorby, omitting Zarn Sullivan, who scored one of the team’s four tries in Hamilton.
Moorby is among nine players from the Hurricanes Super Rugby team in the matchday 23.
The Maori All Blacks boast an enviable record against international opposition, having won 80 of 126 matches, including both their meetings with Ireland.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell is expected to again name a second-string side for the match, saving his best team for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand in Wellington four days later.
Maori All Blacks: 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Connor Garden-Bachop, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Ollie Norris.
Replacements: 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Max Hicks, 20 Caleb Delany, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Ruben Love, 23 Billy Proctor.
Date: Tuesday, July 12
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.05 (08.05 UK & Ireland time; 07.05 GMT)
Referee: Karl Dickson
Assistant Referees: Christophe Ridley, Jordan way
TMO: James Leckie
