Murray Kinsella reports from Rotorua
COLIN COOPER HAS named a dangerous Māori All Blacks team for Saturday’s clash with the Lions in Rotorua [KO 8.35am Irish time, Sky Sports].
The backline is laden with attacking talent, as the Chiefs’ Damian McKenzie gets set to lead their efforts in the 10 shirt. His club-mate Charlie Ngatai is at inside centre, while Hurricanes man Matt Proctor is at 13.
The back three looks particularly explosive with the Leinster-bound James Lowe at fullback, and Rieko Ioane – who did damage against the Lions for the Blues – and the outrageously talented Nehe Milner-Skudder slotting in on the wings.
The experienced Tawera Kerr-Barlow will provide service from scrum-half, while Akira Ioane, Liam Messam and Elliot Dixon form a dynamic, combative back row.
Highlanders pair Joe Wheeler and Tom Franklin are the locks, while Ben May and Kane Hames take the propping positions and Ash Dixon captains the side at hooker.
Among the replacements is Blues out-half Ihaia West, who scored the winning try against the Lions last week in Eden Park.
Māori All Blacks (v Lions):
15. James Lowe
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
13. Matt Proctor
12. Charlie Ngatai
11. Rieko Ioane
10. Damian McKenzie
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
1. Kane Hames
2. Ash Dixon (captain)
3. Ben May
4. Joe Wheeler
5. Tom Franklin
6. Akira Ioane
7. Elliot Dixon
8. Liam Messam
Replacements:
16. Hika Elliot
17. Chris Eves
18. Marcel Renata
19. Leighton Price
20. Kara Pryor
21. Bryn Hall
22. Ihaia West
23. Rob Thomson
Referee: Jaco Peyper [SARU].
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