All Blacks 'discards' make NZ Māori squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Māori All Blacks Head Coach Clayton McMillan has included six All Blacks stars in his 26-man squad for the upcoming Series against Fiji.
McMillan said the squad named was an exciting mix of vast experience and new energy.
Tune in LIVE for the announcement of the 2019 #MaoriAllBlacks squad 👀 https://t.co/cVV3a311Lw
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 2, 2019
“This is a really exciting squad to name. I think we have a good balance between the experience of guys who know how to perform at this level and those who bring an important fresh perspective and energy. We also have some returning after an absence and they will bring some important knowledge into our group.
“We have named 26 players today, with one more, likely to be a prop, to be added before we travel next week.
“We’re excited to name four new caps in Nathan Harris, Alex Nankivell, Fletcher Smith and Jordan Hyland.
“With six players [Nathan Harris, Tyrel Lomax, Ash Dixon, Akira Ioane, Bryn Hall and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi] in our mix with All Blacks experience, we can take a very solid squad to Suva and then on to Rotorua.
“Pulling on the Māori All Blacks jersey is a wonderful opportunity, and I know that these players will want to represent their heritage, their whanau and their country well. These next two fixtures will allow players to showcase what they have, and really put their best foot forward for higher honours.
“We’re looking forward to playing Fiji in Suva and then again in Rotorua. They’re a fantastic and exciting opposition who play a similar game to the Maori All Blacks. We know they’ll be looking to use this Series as preparation for their Rugby World Cup campaign.
“For some time we’ve been coveting a strong international opposition, and Fiji certainly fits that bill. We’re looking forward to the challenge of playing Fiji in back to back fixtures.
“I’m very excited about coaching a Māori team that is playing in Rotorua – what we consider to be the sentimental home of the Māori All Blacks.”
Introducing your #MaoriAllBlacks squad to take on Fiji in a two match series this month.
FULL STORY 👉🏾 https://t.co/V9hRJOZlTG pic.twitter.com/2eWOy0FEat
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 2, 2019
Māori All Blacks squad:
Forwards: Ash Dixon, Nathan Harris, Tyrel Lomax, Ben May, Marcel Renata, Ross Wright, Tom Franklin, Pari Pari Parkinson, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Elliot Dixon, Akira Ioane, Mitchell Karpik, Reed Prinsep.
Backs: Bryn Hall, Jonathan Ruru, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fletcher Smith, Alex Nankivell, Rob Thompson, Teihorangie Walden, Jordan Hyland, Shaun Stevenson, Sean Wainui.
