Six ‘fully deserving’ players to debut for Maori All Blacks against Japan XV

Crusaders first five-eighth Rivez Reihana and Blues fullback Cole Forbes are among the six players in line to debut for the Maori All Blacks on Saturday evening [NZST] in the first of a two game series against a Japan XV.

Laghlan McWhannell and Daniel Rona join the aforementioned 10-15 duo in the starting side, while utility forward Max Hicks and outside back Tana Tuhakaraina will come off the bench at Tokyo’s Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium.

The selection of Tuhakaraina in the No. 23 jumper might be the most interesting pick of the week with head coach Ross Filipo rewarding the potential debutant for strong form in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship.

Tuhakaraina is from the Matamata region and trained with the Hamilton-based Chiefs as a replacement player but didn’t take the field. But coach Filipo has worked with the outside back with Waikato which has led to this selection.

“They are all fully deserving of their selections. I’m really excited for them and their whanau, it’s going to be a massive occasion whether they’ve travelled to watch or are watching at home,” head coach Ross Filipo said in a statement.

M?nawa maiea te putanga o Matariki, m?nawa maiea te kapa m? te k?mu tuatahi!

Introducing your M?ori All Blacks team for game one against Japan XV!

📆 Saturday 10.00pm NZT | 7.00pm JST
🏟️ Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo.#M?oriAllBlacks pic.twitter.com/uVNWsXbdJa

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 27, 2024

“To cap [six] debutants in one game is awesome for the team’s growth and I know they will all make a great contribution.

“We are expecting a high tempo match and we know they have had plenty of preparation time so we will have to be at our best from the very beginning. We are looking forward to the challenge and the team is ready to go.”

All Black Joe Moody will pack down in the front along with Kurt Eklund and Marcel Renata. Debutant McWhannell starts at tighthead lock along with the Hurricanes’ Isaia Walker-Leawere in the middle row.

Blues enforcer Cameron Suafoa will line up at blindside flanker while the Highlanders’ departing backrower Billy Harmon will take his place at openside. The Crusaders’ Cullen Grace has been named as the No. 8 in the run-on side.

Debutant Reihana joins Sam Nock in the halves, while Daniel Rona joins  familiar face in the midfield with Chiefs teammate Quinn Tupaea also named in the midfield.

As for the outside backs, Bailyn Sullivan will combine with fellow-winger Josh Moorby and No. 15 Cole Forbes.

This match will kick-off at 10:00 pm NZST on Saturday.

Maori All Blacks to take on Japan XV

1. Joe Moody (Ngai Tahu)
2. Kurt Eklund (Ngati Kahu)
3. Marcel Renata (Ngati Whanaunga, Ngai Takoto)
4. Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngati Porou)
5. Laghlan McWhannell* (Ngati Kahungunu)
6. Cameron Suafoa (Ngapuhi)
7. Billy Harmon (Ngai Tahu)
8. Cullen Grace (Ngati Whakaue)
9. Sam Nock (Ngapuhi)
10. Rivez Reihana* (Ngai Tahu, Ghati Hine, Ngapuhi, Ngati Tuwharetoa)
11. Bailyn Sullivan (Ngati Kahungunu)
12. Quinn Tupaea (Ngaati Tiipa, Ngaati Amaru, Waikato)
13. Daniel Rona* (Te Atiawa)
14. Josh Moorby (Ngati Manipoto)
15. Cole Forbes* (Ngati Awa)

Replacements

16. Tyrone Thompson (Ngati Rangiwewehi, Ngai Tamanuhiri)
17. Ollie Norris (Ngapuhi)
18. Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngapuhi)
19. Max Hicks* (Ngati Ranginui)
20. Te Kamaka Howden (Tuhoe)
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngati Rangitihi, Ngati Pikiao, Tuhourangi, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Awa)
22. Rameka Poihipi (Ngati Whakaue)
23. Tana Tuhakaraina* (Ngati Haua)