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Phil Walter / Getty Images
Sean Wainui and Reed Prinsep of NZ Maori after their match against Fiji last year.
New Zealand Māori will play its only match this year, next month against Moana Pasifika, the potential base for a Super Rugby franchise in 2022.
New Zealand Rugby announced the match on Thursday, in which Clayton McMillan-coached Maori will face Tana Umaga-coached Moana Pasifika at Hamilton’s Stadium Waikato on December 5.
It will be the Maori’s first match since defeating Fiji 26-17 in Rotorua in July last year, and the first time a team has played under the Moana Pasifika banner.
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NZR Professional Rugby General Manager Chris Lendrum said the match was a fitting recognition of the contribution that the Maori and Pasifika communities had made to rugby in 2020.
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It was also a further step in the journey towards Super Rugby 2022, which is set to include teams from Fiji and Moana Pasifika, alongside teams from New Zealand and Australia.
“It is an important match for both teams, as a home game for the Māori All Blacks celebrating a team with a long and proud history in Aotearoa, and for the Moana Pasifika group as we take another step on a journey towards our desire. shared standing. form a Pasifika team in a future professional club competition, ”Lendrum said in a statement.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
NZ Maori’s Alex Nankivell attempted to punch through Fiji’s defense in Rotorua last year.
McMillan (Ngāi Te Rangi) has led NZ Māori to four victories in five games since he was appointed in late 2017, and has been appointed as the Chiefs’ interim head coach for 2021. The Maori team will be named on April 23. November.
New Zealand Maori Rugby Board President Dr Farah Palmer said the match was an opportunity for communities to come together and connect at the end of a year that had disrupted the lives of all New Zealanders.
“Many of our whānau and rangatahi have struggled during 2020 as we deal with Covid and I know that our Māori All Blacks players will appreciate the opportunity to represent their iwi, hapū and whānau, and bring some positivity to their community.
“This game also highlights the importance of health and wellness, and will be an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of whānau, and also our shared whakapapa with the Pasifika community, as we all came to Aotearoa, New Zealand for the well-being of our whānau and aiga. “
Dianne Manson / Getty Images
Former All Blacks captain and current Blues assistant Tana Umaga will coach Moana Pasifika in December.
Umaga was the first captain of the All Blacks of Pasifika heritage and was awarded an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services in rugby.
The Moana Pasifika group has secured players from the Pasifika heritage, consisting of current and former international players, and a number of players eligible for international Pasifika teams. The team will be announced later this month.
Moana Pasifika’s sponsor, Tuafa’asisina, Sir Bryan Williams, said the match would have great meaning for the Pasifika community.
“This match is a great opportunity to showcase the exciting talent of Pasifika sweeping through the New Zealand rugby community and it will be a great honor for these players to play against a team with the manna, heritage and quality of the Māori All Blacks.
“It is also another big step towards our desire to have a professional Pasifika team in Super Rugby and to provide an aspirational path for players to progress to the national teams of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.”
