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Two new caps and one All Black named in Maori All Blacks squad to play Manu Samoa
Maori All Blacks head coach Clayton McMillan has named a 25-man squad ahead of next month’s two tests against Manu Samoa in New Zealand.
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Headlining the squad are the additions of two new caps, Chiefs prop Ollie Norris and Highlanders lock Josh Dickson.
Norris featured regularly for the Chiefs under the tutelage of McMillan this season and the 21-year-old has been duly rewarded with a maiden call-up to the Maori All Blacks squad.
Australian-born Dickson, meanwhile, has been part of the Highlanders set-up since 2017 and impressed with his strong work ethic on either side of the ball and at the set piece.
The 26-year-old is one of three Highlanders locks, alongside Pari Pari Parkinson and Manaaki Selby-Rickit, included in the squad, while the franchise’s co-captain, Ash Dixon, will lead the Maori All Blacks for a sixth straight campaign.
“Josh has been consistent performer throughout both Super Rugby for the Highlanders and NPC for Otago,” McMillan said.
“He is highly regarded for his ability in the line out and has an established relationship with Ash, Pari Pari and Manaaki. Having combinations like this will be important when preparing for a short campaign.
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“Ollie has progressed through New Zealand age group teams and has transitioned really well into Super Rugby. He has a strong set piece, but stood out with his ball playing ability which will suit the style of play we will be hoping to achieve.
“Following the departure of Ross Wright and the experienced Ben May it allows us to grow our front row.”
Other notable additions in the squad include one-test All Blacks playmaker Josh Ioane, who played against the Maori All Blacks last year for Moana Pasifika when the franchise made its first-ever appearance in a 28-21 defeat in Hamilton.
McMillan said that fixture provided the Maori All Blacks with valuable experience ahead of their upcoming series against Samoa, who are preparing for their World Cup qualifiers against Tonga next month.
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“We introduced a number of new players into our environment last year so to have them back for this series is pleasing. I am confident that Ollie and Josh will transition from their Super clubs to our whanau with ease,” McMillan said.
Fiji head coach Vern Cotter has named an extended 33-man squad ahead of next month’s two-match test series against the All Blacks. #FijiRugby #AllBlacks https://t.co/DhlCHQ7zoB
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 15, 2021
“We only have a short build up, and we are expecting a fierce challenge from Samoa as they lead into their World Cup qualifying match. We know that will add an extra edge to the match and that is something we are looking forward to.
“Our players have an immense amount of pride pulling on the Maori All Blacks jersey and with that representing their whanau and iwi, and we know that our Samoan brothers feel the same.”
The Maori All Blacks will play their first match against Manu Samoa at Sky Stadium in Wellington next Saturday before the two teams meet again as a curtain-raiser to the All Blacks vs Tonga clash at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on July 3.
Manu Samoa will then go on to play Tonga in two World Cup qualifiers at Mt Smart Stadium on July 10 and then at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton as a curtain-raiser to the All Blacks vs Fiji test on July 17.
Maori All Blacks squad to face Manu Samoa
Props:
Josh Hohneck (Highlanders/Otago)
Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hurricanes/Hawke’s Bay)
Ollie Norris* (Chiefs/Waikato)
Marcel Renata (Blues/Auckland)
Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders/Canterbury)
Hookers:
Ash Dixon (Highlanders/Hawke’s Bay) – captain
Kurt Eklund (Blues/Bay of Plenty)
Locks:
Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Highlanders/Bay of Plenty)
Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes/Hawke’s Bay)
Pari Pari Parkinson (Highlanders/Tasman)
Josh Dickson (Highlanders/Otago)
Loose Forwards:
Billy Harmon (Highlanders/Canterbury)
Reed Prinsep (Hurricanes/Canterbury)
Whetukamokamo Douglas (Crusaders/Bay of Plenty)
Halfbacks:
Bryn Hall (Crusaders/North Harbour)
Sam Nock (Blues/Northland)
First-Fives:
Otere Black (Blues/Bay of Plenty)
Josh Ioane (Highlanders/Otago)
Midfielders:
Billy Proctor (Hurricanes/Wellington)
Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs/Waikato)
Alex Nankivell (Chiefs/Tasman)
Outside Backs:
Sean Wainui (Chiefs/Bay of Plenty)
Shaun Stevenson (Chiefs/North Harbour)
Jonah Lowe (Chiefs/Hawke’s Bay)
Kaleb Trask (Chiefs/Bay of Plenty)
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Comments on RugbyPass
The strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
8 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
2 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
2 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
8 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
8 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
8 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
8 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
8 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
8 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to comments