TJ Perenara and the Māori All Blacks perform the haka. Photo / Getty
TJ Perenara and the Māori All Blacks perform the haka. Photo / Getty
What's on?
The Māori All Blacks will take on Ireland at Wellington's Sky Stadium tonight at 7.05pm.
The tourists will hope to continue their success against New Zealand and break their duck against the Māori after losing the first encounter 32-17 in Hamilton on June 28.
What happened in thefirst match?
The hosts said welcome to New Zealand then stunned the Irish in a comprehensive victory on Ireland's first match of the tour.
The Māori displayed some brilliant attacking rugby, with Josh Ioane, Shaun Stevenson and Zarn Sullivan shining bright.
The inexperienced Ireland side were at times ill-disciplined and sloppy.
"I think it was a good day for us in regards to lads learning lessons and knowing that if we fix a few things - especially discipline-wise - we can give a better account of ourselves in the next game," coach Andy Farrell said after the game.
What's in it for Ireland?
Farrell wants to uncover a couple of gems on tour, and this is the place for him to go mining.
With captain Keith Earls among the few exceptions, it is largely a team of unknown quality that will struggle to reverse defeat in the opening match.
Reserves: 16. Rob Herring 17. Ed Byrne 18. Finlay Bealham 19. Ryan Baird 20. Jack Conan 21. Conor Murray 22. Joey Carbery 23. Mack Hansen
What's in it for the Māori All Blacks in terms of the bigger picture?
The test squad is so large these days that it's difficult to suddenly bust in once it's picked but that will be the mission for a number of these players.
And a loss would be another ding in the reputation of New Zealand rugby.
Player to watch
Shaun Stevenson heads for the try line. Photo / Photosport
Wing Shaun Stevenson had an excellent match against Ireland in Hamilton and scored a couple of tries when the Māori scored a big win over Manu Samoa in Wellington last year.
What is the history between these two sides?
A New Zealand Native side beat Ireland in Dublin by 13-4 in 1888, and the Māori team also triumphed in 2010 at Rotorua, a thrilling and close contest.
Can Ireland score its first win over the Māori?
The home side will face a touring outfit still on a high following the historic Dunedin test win.
Farrell said: "We've some young lads in that changing room that have been inspired by (the test team), who want to get back out there again and perform well against the Māori."
How to catch the action
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 and live streaming on Sky Sport Now. The Herald will also have a live blog of the clash.
