Maori All Blacks name end of year tour squad

The Maori All Blacks have named their squad for the end of year tour, who will play in America, Chile and Brazil.

Head coach Clayton MacMillan spoke of the complexities but excitement behind the selections, mentioning that some members had already been named in the All Blacks squad to travel to Japan.

The players that will join the Maori All Blacks after their All Black duty in Japan are prop Tyrel Lomax, lock Jackson Hemopo, halfback Bryn Hall, midfielder Matt Proctor and winger Nehe Milner-Skudder.

MacMillan also touched on the many debutants and general youth of the side, following the departure of a few veterans and All Black responsibility for others.

“We’re looking at almost 10 debutants which you would expect after some players have moved on,” he said.

“Some of these debutants have had incredibly strong seasons with their provinces in Mitre 10 Cup, and their Super Rugby clubs, so we are excited to see what they will bring on this tour.”

The nine new players in the squad include; hooker Robbie Abel, locks Isaia Walker-Leawere and giant Pari Pari Parkinson (who stands at 2.04m), loose forwards Hoani Matenga, Billy Harmon, and Mitchell Karpik, flyhalf Joshua Ioane, inside centre Matthew Lansdown and outside centre Jonah Lowe. – Sport24

“Josh Ioane was with the Highlanders, and with Otago he demonstrates he is at the forefront of all the action, including playing an integral role in Otago’s successful Ranfurly Shield challenge, and, like Otere (Black) who has been strong for Manawatu, he is very accurate with his goal-kicking.

“Pari Pari has to be the tallest lock running around in New Zealand rugby at the moment and he’s been a stand out for Tasman.

“We’ve got a great mix in the loose forwards – including the experienced Reed Prinsep and Akira Ioane who will bring explosive power to the loose forward mix. Along with the new guys (Hoani Matenga, Billy Harmon and Mitchell Karpik) they’re a young group but they’ve got some physicality.”

McMillan said they were looking forward to Chicago, the second time the Maori All Blacks have played there, but the coach’s first taste of USA rugby.

“We’re expecting USA to be our toughest game on tour although I have no doubt Brazil and Chile will be challenging for their own reasons. Rugby has been growing in all three countries, so there is an element of the unknown which is always hard to predict.

“It’s also nice to know that we will be with the Black Ferns. I’m sure it will be a nicer experience for everyone and having the two teams staying in the same hotel will help to create some positive energy.”