Rugby: Maori ABs in form for Japan trip

Men like Auckland flanker Sean Polwart, above, and Manawatu fullback Nehe Milner demanded selection with their work over the past two months in the ITM Cup. Photo / Getty Images

The Maori All Blacks left for Japan last night on their two-match tour.

And even with three replacement players for the injured Tasman trio of Shane Christie, Liam Squire and Joe Wheeler, they can whistle up in-form men. Lock Hayden Triggs, for one, was in sterling form for North Harbour.

"We had to make quick decisions and the Crosswell brothers (Nick and Mitch) were playing good rugby, one covering eight and lock and the other six and seven," said second year coach Colin Cooper.

The original 27-man squad looked light on locks, but Blade Thomson can cover there and should be right for at least the second international against Japan after being a late scratching from the ITM Cup final with a neck issue.

Other men like Auckland flanker Sean Polwart, Manawatu fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder and Tasman three-quarter James Lowe demanded selection with their work over the past two months in the ITM Cup.

"The selection was on the money. Tabs [assistant coach Tabai Matson] got around the country and we met every week, so there are guys in form," said Cooper.

The All Black selectors had a strong influence on the final selection, and some of these players could be on their radar over the next 12 months. The side looks stacked with attacking talent, so the onus will go on set-piece coach Carl Hoeft to get the tight five up to speed to combat Japan, ranked 11th in the world.

"The legacy of the Maori All Blacks is a proud record. I think we've won 16 [internationals] in a row, so there's a lot at stake," Cooper said.

"It'll be tough against Japan in their backyard.

"They've got an outstanding coach (Eddie Jones) and some really quality players."

The Maori All Blacks have 12 debutants and 11 of the squad which went 2-0 in North America in 2013. Kickoff on Saturday in Kobe is at 6.15pm.