Eight debutants named for Maori All Blacks' Tokyo showdown

A Maori All Blacks team laden with talent has been named to face Japan XV in Tokyo this weekend, with more than a handful of players in line for a special debut.

The game takes place just one week after the Super Rugby Pacific final saw the Crusaders triumph once again, and two players from that final have been named in the Maori All Blacks’ starting XV.

Cullen Grace will wear the No. 8 jersey, and Man of the Match Rivez Reihana will wear No. 10.

“It’s a tight turnaround for us with plenty of our players in the Super Rugby Pacific final on Saturday night and then coming straight into this environment,” head coach Ross Filipo said.

“Selections were tough, and our coaching group spent quite some time together to make sure we had the right mix to take the field in Tokyo. We are determined to right a wrong from our last game in Aichi in 2024.”

That match in Aichi saw the Japan XV triumph to the tune of 26-14, while it was the Kiwis who took out the first of the two games, 36-10.

Jared Proffit, Kerswhal Sykes-Martin, Jahrome Brown, Gideon Wrampling, Jacob Devery, Zach Gallagher, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara and Xavi Taele have all made the team sheet for the first time as Maori All Blacks.

Maori All Blacks v Japan XV

1.  Jared Proffit*, Ngati Porou
2. Kurt Eklund, Ngati Kahu (C)
3. Kerswhal Sykes-Martin*, Ngati Porou
4. Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ngati Porou
5. Laghlan McWhannell, Ngati Kahungunu
6. Te Kamaka Howden, Tuhoe
7. Jahrome Brown*, Ngati Porou
8. Cullen Grace, Ngati Whakaue
9. Sam Nock, Ngapuhi
10. Rivez Reihana, Ngaphui, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Hine
11. Jonah Lowe, Ngati Pikiao
12. Gideon Wrampling*, Ngapuhi
13. Bailyn Sullivan, Ngati Kahungunu
14. Cole Forbes, Ngati Awa
15. Zarn Sullivan, Ngati Kahungunu

Reserves

16. Jacob Devery*, Te Aitanga a Mahaki
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, Ngapuhi
18. Benet Kumeroa, Te Atihaunui a Paparangi
19. Zach Gallagher*, Te Atiawa
20. Caleb Delany, Ngati Tuwharetoa
21. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara*, Ngai Tai, Ngati Porou
22. Kaleb Trask, Ngapuhi
23. Xavi Taele*, Ngai Tahu

* denotes debut