All Black scrumhalf duo named in Maori All Blacks squad

Māori All Blacks Coach Clayton McMillan has named a strong squad ahead of his team’s two-match series against Ireland. 

After missing out on the All Blacks' squad, TJ Perenara and Brad Weber have been named in the squad.

It will be the first time the Māori All Blacks have played Ireland since 2010 with the two highly anticipated mid-week matches to be played at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton (Wednesday, 29 June) and Sky Stadium in Wellington (Tuesday, 12 July).

“We are expecting a fierce challenge from Ireland, to be playing a tier one nation at home in Aotearoa has been long awaited. The squad named is a mix of experienced players who know how to perform at this level, and players that bring fresh perspective and energy to the game,” McMillan said.

“We are lucky to have three experienced All Blacks in the squad in TJ Perenara (Ngāti Rangitihi), Brad Weber (Ngāti Porou) and Tyrel Lomax (Muaupoko / Ngāi Tūhoe), I’m looking forward to the passion and knowledge they will bring. This is also a great opportunity for our 11 new caps, there is immense pride in pulling on the Māori All Blacks jersey and with that representing their heritage, their whānau, and their country.

“These two fixtures against Ireland will allow players to showcase what they have and put their best foot forward on an international stage. The presence of two former Māori All Blacks in the Ireland side, Jamison Gibson-Park (Ngāti Porou / Ngāi Tai) and James Lowe (Ngāpuhi / Ngāi Te Rangi) adds to the special nature of this match.”

McMillan and his co-coaches Roger Randle and Chris Gibbes will announce their captain in due course.

The Māori All Blacks have played Ireland on just two previous occasions, the most famous being the New Zealand Natives 13-4 win at Landsdowne Road in Dublin in 1888. The only other match between the two sides was in 2010 at Rotorua International Stadium where the Māori All Blacks won a thrilling match 31-28. 

Māori All Blacks Squad:
*denotes new caps

Props

Tamaiti Williams Ngāpuhi Canterbury Crusaders
Ollie Norris Ngāpuhi Waikato Chiefs
Marcel Renata Ngāti Whānaunga / Ngāi Takoto Auckland Blues
Jermaine Ainsley* Te Rārawa / Te Arawa Otago Highlanders
Tyrel Lomax Muaupoko / Ngāi Tūhoe Tasman Hurricanes

Hookers

Leni Apisai Ngāti Awa Auckland
Kurt Eklund Ngāti Kahu Bay of Plenty Blues
Tyrone Thompson* Ngāi Tāmanuhiri / Ngāti Rangiwewehi Hawke’s Bay Chiefs

Locks
Isaia Walker-Leawere Ngāti Porou Hawke's Bay Hurricanes
Manaaki Selby-Rickit Ngāti Raukawa / Ngāti Tūwharetoa Bay of Plenty Highlanders
Josh Dickson Ngāi Tahu Otago Highlanders

Loose Forwards
Reed Prinsep Te Rārawa Canterbury Hurricanes
Caleb Delany* Ngāti Tūwharetoa Wellington Hurricanes
Billy Harmon Ngāi Tahu Canterbury Highlanders
Te Kamaka (TK) Howden* Ngāi Tūhoe Manawatū Hurricanes
Cameron Suafoa* Ngāpuhi Auckland Blues

Half Backs
TJ Perenara* Ngāti Rangitihi Wellington Hurricanes
Brad Weber Ngāti Porou Hawke's Bay Chiefs

First Five
Josh Ioane Te Rārawa Otago Chiefs
Ruben Love* Te Atiawa Wellington Hurricanes

Midfield
Alex Nankivell Ngāti Pikiao Tasman Chiefs
Rameka Poihipi Ngāti Whakaue Canterbury Chiefs
Billy Proctor Ngāi Te Rangi / Ngāpuhi Wellington Hurricanes
Bailyn Sullivan* Ngāti Kahungunu Waikato Hurricanes

Outside Backs
Connor Garden-Bachop* Ngāti Awa Wellington Highlanders
Josh Moorby* Ngāti Maniapoto Northland Hurricanes
Zarn Sullivan* Ngāti Kahungunu Auckland Blues
Shaun Stevenson Ngāpuhi North Harbour Chiefs