Crusaders first five-eighth Rivez Reihana and Blues fullback Cole Forbes are among the six players in line to debut for the Maori All Blacks on Saturday.
Crusaders first five-eighth Rivez Reihana and Blues fullback Cole Forbes are among the six players in line to debut for the Maori All Blacks on Saturday.
The Maori All Blacks squad has been announced ahead of their two-Test series against Japan XV.
The Maori All Blacks squad has been announced ahead of their two-Test series against Japan XV.
With some genuine star power back in the mix this week, Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has issued a challenge to every player in the squad.
Playmaker for the NPC-winning Taranaki side in 2023, Josh Jacomb will spark interest starting at fullback, having surprisingly not made the Chiefs squad for 2024.
The Chiefs will be with their full complement when they board the plane for the land of the rising sun, including their All Blacks in the travelling squad for their preseason tour.
Despite aiming for a return to action in the final round of the NPC regular season, Anton Lienert-Brown has been omitted from the Waikato side named to tackle Bay of Plenty in Hamilton on Sunday.
21-year-old fullback Tepaea Cook-Savage has set up a try-of-the-year contender in Wednesday's NPC clash between Waikato and Southland in Hamilton.
Currently sitting undefeated at the top of the Odds conference, Waikato will face a litmus test at home this weekend when they take on an inconsistent Auckland side at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday.