'Disappointed but motivated': Maori All Black head coach on Perenara and Weber

Maori All Black head coach Clayton McMillan says that TJ Perenara and Brad Weber are disappointed on missing out on the All Black squad but he is expecting the pair to bring some valued leadership into his young squad.

The two All Black halfbacks will bring 95 test caps worth of experience into McMillan’s squad as well as a desire to push their case and show what they can do against Ireland.

It will be the first time that TJ Perenara will represent the Maori All Blacks in his career while Chiefs halfback Brad Weber has had seven appearances for the side.

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 17

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 17

“Naturally disappointed, which is to be expected, but also highly-motivated and excited about the opportunity to put the Maori jersey on. Brad has been here before,” McMillan explained of the two high profile omissions.

“This can hopefully be a platform for them to showcase that they’ve still got what’s required at the highest level.”

“They’re both yappy, and I’m sure they’ll both want to start, but we haven’t thought that far ahead.”

“They’re also proud Maori men.”

The Hurricanes halfback took to his social media to share a message with his followers after his All Black omission, sharing an imagine of a black screen with the text BRB (be right back).

The 30-year-old was the All Blacks’ starting halfback when they lost to Ireland in Dublin last November so will bring recent knowledge of Ireland into what is a young squad full of some of New Zealand’s brightest emerging talents.

Hurricanes breakthrough midfielder Bailyn Sullivan has been named in the squad with his younger brother Zarn who starred for the Blues this year at fullback.

Josh Ioane, who moved to the Chiefs this year, is named at first five along with young Hurricane Ruben Love.

Up front, Crusaders powerhouse Tamaiti Williams joins Chiefs front rowers Ollie Norris and Tyrone Thompson who will all bring size and power to the pack.

“Lots of young talent. It’s been a bit of a changing of the guard,” McMillan said of his squad.

“A lot of our leadership spine from last year – Ash Dixon, Otere Black, Whetukamokamo Douglas – those guys have taken up opportunities overseas and it’s always sad to see them go, but it opens the door for new talent to come in and really happy to do that for people.”

“I’d rate Ash up there as one of the best leaders I’ve been able to work with, and the other guys were very similar. We’ll feel their loss, but that is mitigated somewhat by the injection of some really experienced halfbacks.”