‘Ma¯ori ABswill bring intensity’

Ma¯ori All Blacks assistant coach Tony Brown isn’t a fan of the ‘spectacle’ concept – he wants his side to beat Moana Pasifika in Hamilton on Saturday and expects them to be clinical in how they go about their business.

‘‘It’s a pretty big test match so the physicality is going to go up,’’ Brown said on Monday, throwing down the gauntlet to Tana Umaga’s Pasifika outfit.

‘‘It’s not going to be like the Mitre 10 Cup with the ball being thrown around everywhere.

‘‘It’s going to be a physical game, with two pretty proud teams that are going to go at each other.’’ Brown’s promise of fireworks will increase interest levels in the game that features a few unknowns.

It will take place at the end of a long season when tired bodies could be excused, while no one is quite sure if the talented but unfamilar Moana Pasifika squad can find the levels of cohesion needed to deliver a compelling performance.

However, Brown’s involvement with the Ma¯ori side he first represented as a player in 1996 has stirred up some genuine pride in the Highlanders coach, who has put his Super Rugby commitments on the backburner this week.

‘‘Most of the Highlanders work around the squad [to be announced on Thursday] is completed, so it’s not very onerous at all around being involved with the NZ Ma¯ori team,’’ Brown said.

‘‘I’m just really looking forward to this week. It’s a great team to be part of. My sole focus is performing and getting the boys to play well this weekend.’’

That job will be made easier by some of the veterans in the squad.

Hooker Ash Dixon is coming off outstanding campaigns for both the Highlanders and Hawke’s Bay, while Waikato flanker Liam Messam will make sure that certain standards are met.

Messam has spilt plenty of blood in the Waikato, Chiefs and Ma¯ori jerseys over the years and his presence alone should make sure the Ma¯ori All Blacks bring intensity to the breakdown.

The Ma¯ori All Blacks will name their side on Thursday.