Ma¯ ori ABs to play Moana Pasifika
The Ma¯ ori All Blacks v Moana Pasifika match presented by Sky will bring culture, connection and entertainment to Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday, December 5.
The match brings together the Ma¯ ori All Blacks for the only time in 2020 and will mark their first match in Hamilton since playing Samoa during the 2008 IRB Pacific Nations Cup. It will also be the first time a team has played under the Moana Pasifika banner.
The Ma¯ ori All Blacks v Moana Pasifika presented by Sky will be live and exclusive on Sky Sport when it kicks off at 7.05pm.
New Zealand Rugby general manager professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said the match was fitting recognition of the contribution the Ma¯ ori and Pasifika communities had made to rugby in 2020, and a fantastic way to bring the curtain down on a unique year of rugby in New Zealand.
“Rugby has faced unprecedented challenges this year and everyone involved in the game has faced them together, so to bring our Ma¯ ori All Blacks and Moana Pasifika players together is a great way to celebrate and recognise the value of those communities to the game,” said Lendrum.
“It’s an important match for both teams, as a home match for the Ma¯ ori
All Blacks celebrating a team with a long and proud history in Aotearoa, and for the Moana Pasifika group as we take another step on a journey toward our shared desire to stand up a Pasifika team in a future professional club competition.”
The Ma¯ ori All Blacks will be coached by Clayton McMillan (Nga¯ i Te Rangi) who has guided the team to four wins from five matches since being appointed in late 2017, and has been appointed as the interim Chiefs head coach for 2021.
The Ma¯ ori All Blacks squad will be named on Monday, November 23.
New Zealand Ma¯ ori Rugby Board chairman Dr Farah Palmer said the match was a chance for communities to come together and connect at the end of a year that had disrupted the lives of all New Zealanders.
“Many of our wha¯ nau and rangatahi have struggled during 2020 as we’ve dealt with Covid and I know our Ma¯ ori All Blacks players will appreciate the chance to represent their iwi, hapu¯ and their wha¯ nau, and to provide some positivity for their community.
“This game also highlights the importance of health and wellbeing, and will be an opportunity to celebrate wha¯ nau resilience, and also our shared whakapapa with the Pasifika community in that we all came to Aotearoa, New Zealand for the wellbeing of our wha¯ nau and aiga.
“Moana Pasifika will be a tough opponent and, like the Ma¯ ori All Blacks, will bring a rich cultural element to what is shaping up to be a unique and special occasion in Hamilton - the heart of WaikatoTainui and the Kingitanga.”
The match represents the Ma¯ ori All Blacks’ only match in 2020 and first since they beat Fiji 26-17 in Rotorua last year.
Moana Pasifika will be coached by experienced professional rugby coach Faalogo Tana Umaga, who was the first captain of the All Blacks of Pasifika heritage and an Officer of the New Zealand order of Merit for services to rugby. A current member of the Blues coaching staff, Umaga has also guided the Counties Manukau Steelers and RC Toulon in France.
The Moana Pasifika group has secured players of Pasifika heritage, made up of current and former international players, and a number of players eligible for international Pasifika teams. The squad will be announced later this month.
Moana Pasifika Patron Tuafa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams said the match would hold great significance to the Pasifika community.
“This match is a great opportunity to showcase the exciting Pasifika talent that runs throughout New Zealand rugby’s community and it will be a huge honour for these players to play against a team with the mana, heritage and quality of the Ma¯ ori All Blacks.
“It’s also another big step toward our desire to have a Pasifika professional team in Super Rugby and to provide an aspirational pathway for players to progress through to the national teams of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.”
At their last Hamilton game in 2008 against Samoa, the Ma¯ ori All Blacks won 17-6.
Callum Bruce and Piri Weepu were try scorers that day while Bruce also kicked seven points off the boot.
Former All Black Sir Bryan Williams’ son Gavin kicked Samoa’s two penalty goals.
From that squad of 22, Liam Messam, 36, is the only player still playing in New Zealand rugby.
The Ma¯ ori were eventual winners of the 2008 IRB Pacific Nations Cup.
■ 2008 Ma¯ ori squad versus Samoa:
1. Keith Cameron, 2. Hikawera Elliot, 3. Bronson Murray, 4. Ross Filipo, 5. Jason Eaton, 6. Liam Messam ©, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 8. Thomas Waldrom, 9. Piri Weepu, 10. Callum Bruce, 11. Hosea Gear, 12. Tamati Ellison, 13. Tim Bateman, 14. Shannon Paku, 15. Dwayne Sweeney. Reserves: 16. Aled De Malmanche, 17. Jacob Ellison, 18. Hoani Macdonald, 19. Scott Waldrom, 20. Chris Smylie, 21. Jason Kawau, 22. Zar Lawrence