Maori All Blacks reveal changes for final Japan XV challenge
07/04/2024 03:07 AM
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Māori All Black head coach Ross Filipo has made a handful of changes to his team as they look to secure their second win against Japan XV this Saturday.
Filipo has listed three debutants with Crusaders Taha Kemara, Highlanders Nikora Broughton and Blues Corey Evans joining from the bench.
Following impressive debuts last Saturday, scrumhalf Rivez Reihana, fullback Cole Forbes, lock Laghlan McWhannel and Benet Kumeroa remain in the 23.
Other starting XV changes have been made in the forwards with Pouri Rakete-Stones in loosehead prop, Te Kamaka Howden as flank and Cameron Suafoa shifts to No.8.
The side will be captained by Rameka Poihipi for the first time who will step in as starting centre.
Following the concussion of Daniel Rona and calf injury to prop Joe Moody last weekend, both were unavailable for game two selections and travelled back home to New Zealand earlier this week.
Maori All Blacks: 15 Cole Forbes, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Rameka Poihipi, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Bailyn Sullivan, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Rivez Reihana, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Laghlan McWhannell, 4 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Pouri Rakete-Stones.
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Benet Kumeroa, 19 Max Hicks, 20 Nikora Broughton, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Taha Kemara, 23 Corey Evans.
Date: Saturday, July 6
Venue: City of Toyota Stadium, Aichi
Kick-off: 18.00 (21.00 NZST; 09.00 GMT)
Referee: Damian Schneider (Uruguay)
Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy), Luc Ramos (France)
TMO: Oli Kellett (Australia)
