Maori All Blacks team to play Munster
Friday, 11 November, Limerick (7:30pm)
The Maori All Blacks have named their team to play Munster in Limerick this week.
The team is:
Otago
Province | Iwi | ||
1 | Kane Hames | Tasman | Ngai Tuhoe / Ngati Porou |
2 | Ash Dixon (Capt) | Hawkes Bay | Ngati Tahinga |
3 | Ben May | Hawkes Bay | Ngati Maniapoto / Tainui |
4 | Leighton Price | Taranaki | Waikato / Ngati Maniapoto |
5 | Tom Franklin | Otago | Ngati Maniapoto |
6 | Reed Prinsep * | Canterbury | Te Rarawa |
7 | Shane Christie | Tasman | Te Ati Haunui a Paparangi / Ngati Kurawhatia |
8 | Akira Ioane | Auckland | Ngapuhi / Te Whanau a Apanui |
9 | Billy Guyton * | Tasman | Ngapuhi / Ngati Pikiao / Ngati Raukawa |
10 | Otere Black | Manawatu | Ngai Tuhoe / Te Whanau-a-Apanui / Ngati Tawharetoa |
11 | James Lowe | Tasman | Ngapuhi / Ngai Te Rangi |
12 | Tim Bateman | Canterbury | Ngai Tahu |
13 | Matt Proctor | Wellington | Ngapuhi / Ngaiterangi |
14 | Ambrose Curtis * | Manawatu | Ngai Te Rangi |
15 | Marty McKenzie | Taranaki | Ngati Tawharetoa / Ngati Tahinga |
16 | Leni Apisai * | Wellington | Ngati Awa |
17 | Chris Eves | Manawatu | Waikato / Tainui |
18 | Marcel Renata | Auckland | Ngati Whanaunga / Te Aupouri |
19 | Whetu Douglas * | Waikato | Ngati Porou / Ngati Whakaue |
20 | Kara Pryor | Northland | Ngati Awa / Ngati Pikiao / Ngati Rangitihi |
21 | Brad Weber | Hawkes Bay | Ngati Porou |
22 | Ihaia West | Hawkes Bay | Ngati Kahungunu / Ngati Porou |
23 | Jason Emery | Manawatu | Ngati Haua / Ngati Maniapoto |
* = New Cap
Head Coach Colin Cooper has made seven changes to the Maori All Blacks’ run-on side.
The side includes five new caps – Reed Prinsep, Billy Guyton and Ambrose Curtis who will start, while Under 20s captain Leni Apisai and Waikato skipper Whetu Douglas will make their debuts off the bench.
Cooper said the win over the USA last week was satisfying but they were also looking forward to the unique experience of playing in Limerick.
“Our exit plays last week were particularly good and I thought that was the edge that we had over the US. We played a lot of rugby in their half.
“But I think that Munster being another physical pack, particularly at lineout driving time, we will want to play the game in their half.
“We’re expecting a lot of physicality down the back so we’ll be looking to our bench to make an impact.
“This match is a huge game. I think every player at some stage in their career would like to play Munster in Limerick. We certainly saw the passion of the people here and the stadium being sold out, Ireland beating the All Blacks at the weekend – it’s got everyone pretty hummed so it will be a mighty contest,” Cooper said.
Expecting the Irish to get behind their team, Cooper said he was expecting some intense noise at Thomond Park Stadium.
“The crowd is like an extra, the 24th person. They are very vocal and very passionate so it will be a challenge for us.
“I’ve always admired Munster from afar. The people here are pretty passionate, and certainly people here know New Zealand and they know these players – they are very respectful people.
“This game is going to be special. I’ve always admired Munster from afar and now I’m going to be at the coalface of taking on Munster, it will be a great experience and opportunity to lead such good men like we’ve got in this group.”
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