Three debutants in M¯aori lineup

New Zealand Ma¯ ori coach Clayton Mcmillan has named three uncapped players in his side for the second and final match of their northern tour.

A week after trouncing Canada 51-9 in Vancouver, Mcmillan has rotated his players for the match against the French Barbarians in Bordeaux tomorrow.

Bay of Plenty lock Keepa Mewett will make his debut in the run-on side while Otago halfback Jonathan Ruru and Highlanders midfielder Tei Walden stand to earn their first caps from the bench.

New Hurricanes signing Jackson Garden-bachop replaces Ihaia West in one of two changes in the backs. Chiefs wing Shaun Stevenson has replaced Ambrose Curtis on the left-wing.

Mcmillan said his side was banged up after its big win over Canada, both from the physicality of the match and from playing on artificial turf.

‘‘The astro turf, while it’s nice to play on, it has its downsides,’’ he said. ‘‘There are a number of boys sporting some nasty grazes and we picked up a couple of injuries in the game.’’

The first-year coach is demanding better ball retention from his side. ‘‘We’re expecting the French to want to take our side up front, to be direct, but it would be remiss of us to think they aren’t going to play traditional Barbarians rugby at some stage and look to give it some air, which is French rugby, let alone Barbarians rugby’’ Mcmillan said.

His decision to bring Ruru into the 23 for Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, and to switch Garden-bachop and West was down to size.

‘‘Jackson Garden-bachop had as outstanding Mitre 10 Cup and a little bit like the halfback situation. He gives us a little bit more size and the ability to be more direct, and [West] will give us speed off the bench.’’