M¯aori shuffle lineup for return clash with Fiji

back this weekend, but has made several tweaks to the run-on side, including the benching of All Blacks hopefuls Akira Ioane and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.

Ioane, who had few opportunities to shine in the firstup outing, is replaced at No 8 by Whetukamokamo Douglas, while there is one other change to the forward pack, with lock Pari Pari Parkinson also promoted from the bench, in place of Isaia Walker-leawere.

In the backline, Bryn Hall and Alex Nankivell earn starts following fine bench cameos in Suva. They replace Tahuriorangi at halfback and Teihorangi Walden at second five-eighth, respectively.

Fletcher Smith drops from fullback to the bench, with Shaun Stevenson shifting from wing to the No 15 jersey, and Jordan Hyland coming onto the flank.

Props Haereiti Hetet/pouri Rakete-stones have been bracketed on the bench.

Fiji’s high-tempo, expansive game terrorised the Ma¯ori in Suva.

Mcmillan said they came away knowing they had a lot of work to do, but that there were positives they had clung to as well, as they try and produce a much better showing.

‘‘The focus for us this week has been to sharpen our combinations and obviously we need to have a solid defence as well as an assertive attacking game if we are going to get the better of Fiji,’’ he said.

‘‘They are a highly skilled and organised side. We will want to show more of our flair, but we have to nail our structure up front if we want to be competitive.’’