It’s full steam ahead for Ma¯ori All Blacks

Three Bay of Plenty Steamers have been named in the Ma¯ori All Blacks squad to face Fiji home and away this month.

Bay players in the squad include the Highlanders’ Tom Franklin, the Chiefs’ Mitchell Karpik and new cap Nathan Harris (Chiefs). Chiefs halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, from Rotorua, is also in the team.

Other new caps include Alex Nankivell, Fletcher Smith and Jordan Hyland.

Ma¯ori All Blacks head coach Clayton McMillan said the squad named was an exciting mix of vast experience and new energy.

“This is a really exciting squad to name. I think we have a good balance between the experience of guys who know how to perform at this level, and those who bring an important fresh perspective and energy. We also have some returning after an absence and they will bring some important knowledge into our group,” McMillan says.

“With six players [Harris, Lomax, Dixon, Ioane, Hall and Tahuriorangi] in our mix with All Blacks experience, we can take a very solid squad to Suva and then on to Rotorua.

A total of 26 players have been named for the series and McMillan says one more, likely to be a prop, is to be added before the team travels next week.

“Pulling on the Ma¯ori All Blacks jersey is a wonderful opportunity, and I know that these players will want to represent their heritage, their wha¯ nau and their country well. These next two fixtures will allow players to showcase what they have, and really put their best foot forward for higher honours.”

McMillan says the team is looking forward to playing Fiji in Suva and then again in Rotorua.

“They’re a fantastic and exciting opposition who play a similar game to the Ma¯ori All Blacks. We know they’ll be looking to use this series as preparation for their Rugby World Cup campaign.”