Tamati Ellison names six debutants in Maori All Blacks team to play Japan XV

The Maori All Blacks whanau will add another six members this weekend, with Tamati Ellison naming new faces in his first matchday squad to face Japan XV.

The match will take place in Nagoya and is a rematch of the fixture, which the Kiwis won 53-20 in 2025, while results were split in a two-game series in 2024.

In addition to naming five debutants with a potential sixth off the bench, Ellison, who succeeded Ross Filipo in the coaching role this season, has named starting centre Bailyn Sullivan captain.

“Bailyn is a player who leads through his actions on the field,” the coach said. “He represents the style of rugby we want to play as the Maori All Blacks, fast, physical and built around the way we want to express ourselves.

“He made his debut for the Maori All Blacks in 2022 and has grown into an experienced member of this group. He has been able to learn from the leaders who have come before him, and now it’s his time to step forward.”

The debutants are Tahlor Cahill of the Crusaders at lock, the Blues’ Torian Barnes at No.8, while in the backline, Adam Lennox of the Highlanders will start at halfback, Reon Paul of the Chiefs will line up on the left wing, and Payton Spencer of the Blues has been named on the right wing. Kyle Brown, fresh off an impressive rookie season for the Chiefs, has been named for his debut off the bench.

“Pulling on the Maori All Blacks jersey for the first time is a special moment and one that Adam, Reon, Tahlor, Torian and Payton have earned through their performances and commitment,” Ellison added. “They’ve embraced everything that this environment stands for, and we’re excited to see them take their opportunity on Saturday.”

While it’s a quick turnaround from the Super Rugby Pacific season that concluded last weekend, especially for Brown, Ollie Norris, and Jacob Devery, who played in the final, Ellison says his team won’t hold back in their ambition to play running rugby.

“There’s been great energy throughout the week. The players have embraced the challenge, connected strongly as a group and prepared well for what we know will be a committed Japan XV side.

“When people watch the Maori All Blacks, they expect us to play with intent. We want to be fast, physical, move the ball, back our skills and play an exciting brand of rugby that reflects who we are.

“We want to play with the flair and ambition that people expect from the Maori All Blacks, and the opportunity to represent our people and our culture is something this group is incredibly proud of.”

Maori All Blacks team to play Japan XV

1. Ollie Norris (Ngapuhi)
2. Tyrone Thompson (Ngaii T?manuhiri, Ngati Rangiwewehi)
3. Marcel Renata (Ngati Whanaunga)
4. Laghlan McWhannell (Ngati Kahungunu)
5. Tahlor Cahill* (Ngapuhi, Ngati Pikiao and Ngati Raukawa)
6. Te Kamaka Howden (Tuhoe)
7. Jahrome Brown (Ngati Porou)
8. Torian Barnes* (Ngati Whatua)
9. Adam Lennox* (Ngati Kuia, Ngati Raukawa)
10. Rivez Reihana (Ngapuhi, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Hine)
11. Reon Paul* (Ngapuhi, Ngati Porou)
12. Xavi Taele (Ngai Tahu)
13. Bailyn Sullivan (Ngati Kahungunu) – captain
14. Payton Spencer* (Ngati Kahungunu, Muaupoko)
15. Cole Forbes (Ngati Awa)

Reserves

16. Jacob Devery (Te Aitanga a Mahaki)
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngapuhi)
18. Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Paparangi)
19. Caleb Delany (Ngati Tuwharetoa)
20. Nikora Broughton (Ngarauru, Ngati Ruanui)
21. Sam Nock (Ngapuhi)
22. Taha Kemara (Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Whakatohea)
23. Kyle Brown* (Waikato)