Rugby: Six changes to Maori ABs

There have been six changes to the New Zealand Maori All Blacks starting side for the second match of their North American tour against USA on Sunday.

Ash Dixon comes into the side to replace the injured Hika Elliot with Shane Christie and Blade Thomson also joining the forwards.

The backline has been reshuffled with Ihaia West earning a starting spot at first five and Kurt Baker and Matt Proctor coming onto the wings.

The team beat Canada 40-15 in the opening match of the tour. The second and last match of the tour kicks off 1pm NZT at PPL Park in Philadelphia.

Coach Colin Cooper said he was really happy with the way team has come together and the number of changes reflected the depth in the squad.

"We are rewarding players that have all had great ITM seasons. Our challenge now is to continue working hard on getting our attacking and defence systems in place. We know USA will provide another tough match and we have huge respect for them.

"Losing Hika and Piri has robbed off of some experience, but Ash Dixon equipped himself really well when he came on and Jamison played extremely well given the short notice he had to join the starting XV.

"We have trained hard and enjoyed the warmer conditions in Philadelphia so I think we are in good shape to deliver the kind of game we want to play on Saturday. We certainly want to end the tour on a high note and are really looking forward to playing in front of American fans."

A capacity 18,500 crowd is expected at PPL Park and conditions are expected to be dry and sunny.

Maori All Blacks side
1. Kane Hames, 2. Ash Dixon, 3. Ben Afeaki, 4. Jarrad Hoeata, 5. Joe Wheeler, 6. Shane Christie, 7. Luke Braid, 8. Blade Thomson, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park, 10. Ihaia West, 11. Matt Proctor, 12. Tim Bateman (capt), 13. Charlie Ngatai, 14. Kurt Baker, 15.Robbie Robinson. Reserves: 16.Joe Royal, 17.Chris Eves, 18.Nick Barrett, 19.Luke Katene, 20. Elliot Dixon, 21.Chris Smylie, 22.Jackson Willison, 23.Zac Guildford.