Māori All Blacks to play Moana Pasifika

The Māori All Blacks v Moana Pasifika match presented by Sky will bring culture, connection and entertainment to Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday, 5 December, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced today.

The match brings together the Māori All Blacks for the only time in 2020 and will mark their first match in Hamilton since playing Samoa during the 2008 Pacific Nations Cup. It will also be the first time a team has played under the Moana Pasifika banner.

Māori All Blacks to play Moana Pasifika in Hamilton | Chiefs Rugby

Gallagher Chiefs members will have access to an early pre-sale to purchase tickets before the general public on Tuesday, 17 November.

The Māori All Blacks will be coached by Clayton McMillan (Ngāi Te Rangi) who has guided the team to four wins from five matches since being appointed in late 2017, and has been appointed as the interim Chiefs Head Coach for 2021. The Maori All Blacks squad will be named on Monday, 23 November.

@Bovidae oh hell yeah. Never been to a Māori All Blacks game, exciting stuff.

I've seen the Maori play the Lions twice, Ireland and even Waikato. A different atmosphere to other games.

The fact that they are playing Moana Pasifika seems to suggest they will be the Pasifika team in Super rugby, law suits not withstanding.

@Bovidae said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

The Māori All Blacks v Moana Pasifika match presented by Sky will bring culture, connection and entertainment to Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday, 5 December, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced today.

The match brings together the Māori All Blacks for the only time in 2020 and will mark their first match in Hamilton since playing Samoa during the 2008 Pacific Nations Cup. It will also be the first time a team has played under the Moana Pasifika banner.

Māori All Blacks to play Moana Pasifika in Hamilton | Chiefs Rugby

Gallagher Chiefs members will have access to an early pre-sale to purchase tickets before the general public on Tuesday, 17 November.

The Māori All Blacks will be coached by Clayton McMillan (Ngāi Te Rangi) who has guided the team to four wins from five matches since being appointed in late 2017, and has been appointed as the interim Chiefs Head Coach for 2021. The Maori All Blacks squad will be named on Monday, 23 November.

Tana coaching Moana, interesting...

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300160118/exhighlanders-coach-aaron-mauger-joins-forces-with-tana-umaga-at-moana-pasifika

What would the Maori team kind of look like this year?

Quite a few players will be missing from last years team. They won't have the services of Akira, Lomax, Harris, E.Dixon, Franklin, Parkinson, Thompson, Nankivell and Walden this year.

Rene Ranger is Cook Islands heritage I believe.

@mikedogz Ngāpuhi and Cook Island Māori

@Stargazer @mikedogz

I thought Ranger had previously had difficulty proving his whakapapa (I think that's the right term). Had a feeling he was adopted either officially or otherwise and it wasn't clear if he is actually Maori. Stand to be proved wrong and it's obviously a delicate subject.

@Stargazer said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

Ethan Roots

Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta. A solid loosie/lock - he'd be handy.

Ranger is definitely a Cook Islander .one player who has impressed since he returned from Injury is Tamati Tua and could be an outside chance to make the NZ Maori squad , although I know he is down to have shoulder surgery at the end of the season .

A very interesting question is who will be in the Pacifika squad, they've all gotta be here in in NZ already. It will be interesting how many are kiwis of heritage Vs born in the other Pacific Islands

@Stargazer Some other possibilities are Daniel Leinert Brown... Ben May... Mitch Crosswell... Josh Timu... Beauden Waaka.... Caleb makene made the team as a replacement player a couple of years ago

@Machpants guess Ranger could go in that team, Jone Macilai too.

@Kiwidom DLB isn't Maori; Ben May is injured; Caleb Makene will be playing sevens (Ignite 7s; I've left out all players who'll be playing at the Ignite7s). The other ones are indeed possibilities.

Edited to add that Makene was initially named for the USA leg of the MABs tour to the USA, Brazil and Chile (2018). He didn't play for the MABs because he got injured in the Mitre 10 Cup Final.

It's only a one-off game so I don't expect the squad to be huge. Too many options at halfback and not enough in other positions like prop and lock. Ben May might be rolled out again (if fit).

Midfield has been decimated by departures (Thompson) and injuries (Nankivell as well) so McMillan will be hoping Wainui is fit.

@Bovidae said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

It's only a one-off game so I don't expect the squad to be huge. Too many options at halfback and not enough in other positions like prop and lock. Ben May might be rolled out again (if fit).

Midfield has been decimated by departures (Thompson) and injuries (Nankivell as well) so McMillan will be hoping Wainui is fit.

That's why I said "approximately 26". A matchday 23 with only a few extras.

Rather thin ranks in some positions. Are Rivez Reihana, the Hoeata brothers, Tamaiti Williams and Matt Garland others that are eligible??

@ARHS I assume they are eligible, but thinking about Jarrad Hoeata in the squad made me and I don't think we need the others, maybe Williams and Garland excepted, although Lowe can play at centre. As per usual, I do expect a surprise or two.

@Stargazer said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

@ARHS I assume they are eligible, but thinking about Jarrad Hoeata in the squad made me and I don't think we need the others, maybe Williams and Garland excepted, although Lowe can play at centre. As per usual, I do expect a surprise or two.

He was playing in the Match Fit team on three. In fact seeing him in that team and Filipo Levi in the other one made me hope there would be another round of this....

@ARHS said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

Rather thin ranks in some positions. Are Rivez Reihana, the Hoeata brothers, Tamaiti Williams and Matt Garland others that are eligible??

Skipwith-Garland is from BOP. Just saying.

Ware and Webber could also be in the mix.

Not sure what the criteria is to be selected in the Island team, but if it's just whoever has Island heritage, then here's who could be in the team.

Loosehead: Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jarred Adams, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, James Lay, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Rob Cobb

Hooker: Andrew Makalio, Luteru Tolai, Samisoni Takei'aho

Tighthead: Angus Ta'avao, Sione Mafileo, Siate Tokolahi, Michael Alaalatoa, Alex Fidow, Joe Apikatoa, Josh Iosefa-Scott

Lock: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kane Leaupepe, Samipeni Finau, Sam Slade

6/8: Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Pita Sowakula, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Vaea Fifita, Nasi Manu, Viliame Taulani

Openside: Sione Havili, Alamanda Motuga, Murphy Taramai

Halfbacks: Folau Fakatava, Jonathan Taumateine, Dwayne Polataivao, Lisati Milo-Harris

First Five: Stephen Perofeta, Luteru Laulala, Orbyn Leger

Midfield: Tumua Manu, Tanielu Telea, Vince Aso, Fetuli Paea, Ray Nu'u, Stacy Ili, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Sio Tomkinson

Wing: Salesi Rayasi, AJ Lam, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Mark Telea, Jacob Raumaitayuki-Kneepkens, Emoni Narawa, Lolagi Visinia, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Kirisi Kuridrani

Fullback: David Havili, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Chase Tiatia

Players who have Maori/Island heritage: Josh Ioane, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Liam Messam, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ere Enari, Jonah Lowe, Shaun Stevenson, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Leni Apisai(?), Nehe Milner-Skudder.

@Machpants said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

A very interesting question is who will be in the Pacifika squad, they've all gotta be here in in NZ already. It will be interesting how many are kiwis of heritage Vs born in the other Pacific Islands

Yeah, what is the selection criteria for the PI team I wonder? I guess there will be some players with dual heritage who might have to choose.

@Dice The potential Pasifika team looks stronger. Will/can they select players who have already been capped for the ABs? Time will tell.

I'm waiting to see the squads before deciding to go or not.

@Bovidae said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

@ARHS said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

Rather thin ranks in some positions. Are Rivez Reihana, the Hoeata brothers, Tamaiti Williams and Matt Garland others that are eligible??

Skipwith-Garland is from BOP. Just saying.

Ware and Webber could also be in the mix.

No, they won't. They'll be playing at the Ignite 7s tournament (same weekend).

@Nepia said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

@Machpants said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

A very interesting question is who will be in the Pacifika squad, they've all gotta be here in in NZ already. It will be interesting how many are kiwis of heritage Vs born in the other Pacific Islands

Yeah, what is the selection criteria for the PI team I wonder? I guess there will be some players with dual heritage who might have to choose.

They literally said in the media release:

The Moana Pasifika group has secured players of Pasifika heritage, made up of current and former international players, and a number of players eligible for international Pasifika teams. The squad will be announced later this month.

I don't think they'll pick players with All Black caps like Julian Savea, Fifita and Ta'avao. Recent/current Samoa, Fiji and Tonga players like Michael Alaalatoa and Kane Le'aupepe (if fit) are near certainties, I think.

@Stargazer said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

@Nepia said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

@Machpants said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

A very interesting question is who will be in the Pacifika squad, they've all gotta be here in in NZ already. It will be interesting how many are kiwis of heritage Vs born in the other Pacific Islands

Yeah, what is the selection criteria for the PI team I wonder? I guess there will be some players with dual heritage who might have to choose.

They literally said in the media release:

The Moana Pasifika group has secured players of Pasifika heritage, made up of current and former international players, and a number of players eligible for international Pasifika teams. The squad will be announced later this month.

I don't think they'll pick players with All Black caps like Julian Savea.

What, you expect us to read the media releases now?

I guess some guys with mixed heritage who are still 'eligible' for Pasifika teams could get selected.

With the coaching appointment of Mauger we know that Sio Sio Tomkinson will start for the Pasifika team - assuming he's still not suspended.

@Nepia It was also in my post from last night. Obviously, I expect you to read that.

Rivez Reihana won't be in the squad. From instagram:

I wasn't expecting him to with all the other options.

So he is in a moon boot. Surgery?

@Bovidae It's from instagram stories. There was no comment, so I don't know about surgery.

If they’re looking for a young lock on the rise, there’s a kid playing for Tasman, Isaac Ross.

@Dice said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

Not sure what the criteria is to be selected in the Island team, but if it's just whoever has Island heritage, then here's who could be in the team.

Loosehead: Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jarred Adams, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, James Lay, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Rob Cobb

Hooker: Andrew Makalio, Luteru Tolai, Samisoni Takei'aho

Tighthead: Angus Ta'avao, Sione Mafileo, Siate Tokolahi, Michael Alaalatoa, Alex Fidow, Joe Apikatoa, Josh Iosefa-Scott

Lock: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kane Leaupepe, Samipeni Finau, Sam Slade

6/8: Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Pita Sowakula, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Vaea Fifita, Nasi Manu, Viliame Taulani

Openside: Sione Havili, Alamanda Motuga, Murphy Taramai

Halfbacks: Folau Fakatava, Jonathan Taumateine, Dwayne Polataivao, Lisati Milo-Harris

First Five: Stephen Perofeta, Luteru Laulala, Orbyn Leger

Midfield: Tumua Manu, Tanielu Telea, Vince Aso, Fetuli Paea, Ray Nu'u, Stacy Ili, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Sio Tomkinson

Wing: Salesi Rayasi, AJ Lam, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Mark Telea, Jacob Raumaitayuki-Kneepkens, Emoni Narawa, Lolagi Visinia, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Kirisi Kuridrani

Fullback: David Havili, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Chase Tiatia

Players who have Maori/Island heritage: Josh Ioane, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Liam Messam, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ere Enari, Jonah Lowe, Shaun Stevenson, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Leni Apisai(?), Nehe Milner-Skudder.

Du'plessis Kirifi?

@Stargazer said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

@Nepia said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

@Machpants said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

A very interesting question is who will be in the Pacifika squad, they've all gotta be here in in NZ already. It will be interesting how many are kiwis of heritage Vs born in the other Pacific Islands

Yeah, what is the selection criteria for the PI team I wonder? I guess there will be some players with dual heritage who might have to choose.

They literally said in the media release:

The Moana Pasifika group has secured players of Pasifika heritage, made up of current and former international players, and a number of players eligible for international Pasifika teams. The squad will be announced later this month.

I don't think they'll pick players with All Black caps like Julian Savea, Fifita and Ta'avao. Recent/current Samoa, Fiji and Tonga players like Michael Alaalatoa and Kane Le'aupepe (if fit) are near certainties, I think.

There is a comma after former international players, before and a number of player eligible that says to me former ABs etc are available.

@Machpants at the end of the day, they want the strongest 2 teams they can field, if there are a few ex-ABs with Island heritage over some random, gotta be good!

Given they are only able to pick form people in NZ too

@Dice

Teariki Ben-Nicholas is eligible for the Maori ABs, so I'd expect to see him there. Hopefully ahead of either Douglas or Prinsep.

@bobily2 said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:

@Dice

Teariki Ben-Nicholas is eligible for the Maori ABs, so I'd expect to see him there. Hopefully ahead of either Douglas or Prinsep.

My flatmate whose is from Rarotonga insists TBN is also a Cook Islander. Obviously I will have to check with him out whether there might be any Maori ancestry in TBNs family as well.

Team naming now planned for tomorrow night on the Breakdown (8.30pm).

@Higgins
I can't remember where I read it now but one of his player profiles said he is Cook Islands and Maori