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One of the country’s most inspiring rugby leaders, Ash Dixon, will captain the New Zealand Māori in their one-off match against Moana Pasifika in Hamilton on December 5.
Hawke’s Bay captain Dixon has been named to lead the Clayton McMillan-coached team, which features the return of veteran Liam Messam and new Highlanders coach Tony Brown as McMillan’s assistant alongside Roger Randle.
Messam will play his first game with NZ Māori since the British and Irish Lions clash in 2017.
Hannah Peters / Getty Images
Liam Messam makes a welcome return to the New Zealand Maori team after last playing the Lions in 2017.
Among the newcomers to the 24-man squad is an entirely new midfield roster comprised of Hurricanes utility Billy Proctor and former Hamilton Boys’ High School XV first teammates Quinn Tupaea and Rameka Poihipi.
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One of the Bay of Plenty stars in his run to the 10 Miter Cup semifinals, Kaleb Trask, is also listed as a fullback in his first appearance.
There are also four new faces up front, where 20-year-old Canterbury mainstay Taimati Williams joins the Crusaders and North Harbor loose forward Ethan Roots, Bay of Plenty and Blues mainstay Kurt Eklund and Southland. and Highlanders block Manaaki Selby-Rickit.
A player will be added to the squad in the next few days.
“It is an exciting group and the eight new teams bring some genuine excitement and energy to the team,” McMillan said in a statement.
Kerry Marshall / Getty Images
Kaleb Trask’s breakout season for Bay of Plenty has earned him a call-up from NZ Māori.
“A new generation of Maori players is emerging, but there are also some great leaders around them with great experience.
“It’s great to have the manna from players like Liam and Josh back in the playgroup and, in the same way, Tony Brown brings a great deal of knowledge to our coaching team, and also passion as someone who has worn the jersey. of the Māori All Blacks “.
Earlier Tuesday, Moana Pasifika’s coach Tana Umaga named a team full of pace, skill, and power.
All Black Josh Ioane, who also qualifies for NZ Māori, will lead a Pasifika bottom line that includes Crusaders and Tasmanian wing Leceister Fainga’anuku and Auckland Salesi Rayasi, likely the Miter 10 Cup riders.
Fiona Goodall / Getty Images
An All Black Josh Ioane test will guide Moana Pasifika’s bottom line.
TAKE A LOOK
New Zealand Maori Squad to play Moana Pasifika in Hamilton on December 5:
Accessories: Josh Hohneck (Otago, Ngāti Manuhiri / Ngāti Whātua), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hawke’s Bay / Hurricanes, Ngāpuhi), Marcel Renata (Auckland / Blues, Ngāti Whānaunga / Ngāi Takoto), Tamaiti Williams (Canterhi), Ngāpuhi.
Whores: Ash Dixon (captain, Hawke’s Bay / Highlanders, Ngāti Tahinga), Kurt Eklund (Bay of Plenty / Blues, Ngāpuhi).
Locks: Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Southland / Highlanders, Ngāti Raukawa), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hawke’s Bay / Hurricanes, Ngāti Porou).
Loose forwards: Billy Harmon (Canterbury / Crusaders, Ngāi Tahu), Reed Prinsep (Canterbury / Hurricanes, Te Rārawa), Liam Messam (Waikato, Ngāi Tuhoe), Whetukamokamo Douglas (Canterbury / Crusaders, Ngāti Porou / Ngābour Whakaue), Ethan Roots (North Harbour) ) / Crusaders, Ngāti Kahungunu).
Halfbacks: Bryn Hall (North Port / Crusaders, Ngāti Ranginui), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay of Plenty / Chiefs, Ngāti Pikiao).
First five eighths: Otere Black (Bay of Plenty / Blues, Ngāi Tuhoe / Te Whānau ā Apanui / Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Fletcher Smith (Waikato / Hurricanes, Ngāti Kahungunu).
Midfield: Billy Proctor (Wellington / Hurricanes, Ngai Te Rangi / Ngāpuhi), Rameka Poihipi (Canterbury, Ngāti Whakaue), Quinn Tupaea (Waikato / Chiefs, Waikato / Tainui).
Outer backs: Sean Wainui (Taranaki / Chiefs, Ngāi Tuhoe / Te Āitanga a Māhaki / Ngā Arikikaiputahi / Ngāti Porou), Shaun Stevenson (North Harbor / Chiefs, Ngāpuhi), Jonah Lowe (Hawke’s Bay / Hurricanes, Ngāti Pikiao), Kaleb Trask (Bay of Trask) Much / Chiefs, Ngāpuhi).
Coach: Clayton McMillan (Ngāi Te Rangi / Ngāi Tamawhariua / Te Rangaihouhiri).
Assistant coaches: Roger Randle (Ngāti Awa), Tony Brown (Ngāpuhi).
