THE MAORI ALL Blacks have named a 26-man squad which will travel to face Munster at Thomond Park next month.
Head coach Colin Cooper has included two full internationals in his panel for the fixture on Friday 11 November.
25-year-old Brad Weber, who made his Test debut against Samoa last year, and prop Kane Hames are named in an exciting, and talented, squad for their northern tour.
Six new caps have also been selected for the games against USA Eagles, Harlequins and Munster.
“This is an exciting time for all those involved in this special team,” Cooper said.
“We’re delighted with the squad we have announced today – we think there’s an incredible mix of experience and very wise heads, and a special crop of new talent that has been exciting to watch in action in Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup.
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“This team continues to be an important opportunity for players looking to push for higher honours.
“We are looking forward to heading to Chicago to play the USA Eagles. Playing any national side is an honour, and they’re a team that’s really cementing their place in international rugby.”
Auckland flanker Akira Ioane will have the chance to impress Steve Hansen. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
“Our matches against Munster and Harlequins will also be very special as we love taking the Maori All Blacks’ style of rugby to other countries.”
The Maori All Blacks begin their tour in Chicago the evening before Ireland take on Steve Hansen’s New Zealand at Solider Field on Saturday 5 November.
The team haven’t been beaten in 19 successive games against international opponents, an unbeaten run which stretches back to 2003.
It will be the third time Munster welcome an international team to the redeveloped Limerick venue, after the All Blacks and Australia visited in 2008 and 2010 respectively.
Maori All Blacks squad:
Backs: James Lowe, Matt Proctor, Sean Wainui, Jason Emery, Tim Bateman, Marty McKenzie, Ihaia West, Otere Black, Brad Weber, Billy Guyton.
Forwards: Akira Ioane, Shane Christie, Kara Pryor, Reed Prinsep, Whetu Douglas, Tom Franklin, Jacob Skeen, Leighton Price, Kane Hames, Marcel Renata, Chris Eves, Ben May, Mike Kainga, Ash Dixon (capt), Leni Apisai, Joe Royal.
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Two All Blacks included in exciting Maori squad to face Munster
THE MAORI ALL Blacks have named a 26-man squad which will travel to face Munster at Thomond Park next month.
Head coach Colin Cooper has included two full internationals in his panel for the fixture on Friday 11 November.
25-year-old Brad Weber, who made his Test debut against Samoa last year, and prop Kane Hames are named in an exciting, and talented, squad for their northern tour.
Six new caps have also been selected for the games against USA Eagles, Harlequins and Munster.
“This is an exciting time for all those involved in this special team,” Cooper said.
“This team continues to be an important opportunity for players looking to push for higher honours.
“We are looking forward to heading to Chicago to play the USA Eagles. Playing any national side is an honour, and they’re a team that’s really cementing their place in international rugby.”
“Our matches against Munster and Harlequins will also be very special as we love taking the Maori All Blacks’ style of rugby to other countries.”
The Maori All Blacks begin their tour in Chicago the evening before Ireland take on Steve Hansen’s New Zealand at Solider Field on Saturday 5 November.
The team haven’t been beaten in 19 successive games against international opponents, an unbeaten run which stretches back to 2003.
It will be the third time Munster welcome an international team to the redeveloped Limerick venue, after the All Blacks and Australia visited in 2008 and 2010 respectively.
Maori All Blacks squad:
Backs: James Lowe, Matt Proctor, Sean Wainui, Jason Emery, Tim Bateman, Marty McKenzie, Ihaia West, Otere Black, Brad Weber, Billy Guyton.
Forwards: Akira Ioane, Shane Christie, Kara Pryor, Reed Prinsep, Whetu Douglas, Tom Franklin, Jacob Skeen, Leighton Price, Kane Hames, Marcel Renata, Chris Eves, Ben May, Mike Kainga, Ash Dixon (capt), Leni Apisai, Joe Royal.
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