Lions set to face New Zealand try machine

WORLD Cup try-machine Nehe Milner-Skudder has been named in a powerful New Zealand Maori squad for next week’s clash with the Lions in Rotorua.

The winger has suffered from a horrific catalogue of injuries since lifting the 2015 World Cup following victory over Australia at Twickenham.

He only returned to action for Super Rugby champions Hurricanes last weekend, having 26 minutes off the bench during their win over Australian franchise Western Force following his recovery from the fractured foot he suffered three months ago.

Scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow and 20-year-old wing sensation Rieko Ioane, who scored in Blues’ 22-16 triumph over the Lions in Auckland and had another three touchdowns disallowed, have both been released by Hansen from the New Zealand squad.

And the presence of X-factor runner Damian McKenzie will add more stardust to the attacking potential of the Maori squad.

“We’ve got a very exciting group coming together to experience this special and rare occasion,” said Cooper. “The majority of us have been working together over the past couple of years so we already have an understanding of each other and clarity around what we’re looking to achieve.” NZ Maori squad: Chris Eves, Kane Hames, Mike Kainga, Ben May, Marcel Renata, Ash Dixon (c), Hika Elliot, Tom Franklin, Leighton Price, Joe Wheeler, Elliot Dixon, Akira Ioane, Liam Meesam, Reed Prinsep, Kara Pryor, Bryn Hall, Otere Black, Ihaia West, Tim Bateman, Charlie Ngatai, Matt Proctor, Rieko Ioane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Declan O’Donnell, Nehe MilnerSkudder, Damian McKenzie, James Lowe, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.