Rugby: Maori side given talent transfusion for two-game tour

Ash Dixon has been named as captain. Photo / Paul Taylor

Ten new caps are included in a raw-looking Maori All Blacks squad named for their two-match Northern Hemisphere tour.

New coach Clayton McMillan has been forced to probe for depth after several first choice players were ruled out by injury or selection for the All Blacks.

Seven forwards and three of the backs have not played previously for the Maori side, winning inclusion in the initial squad unveiling of 25 players. Two further players will be added.

A match against Canada in Vancouver on November 3 is followed by a clash with a French Barbarians team in Bordeaux on November 10.

The latter match falls four days out from the All Blacks' midweek match against a France XV in Lyon, potentially putting some of McMillan's players in contention if gaps are needed to be filled in the national side.

Just four players who started in the Maori All Blacks' 32-10 loss to the British and Irish Lions in Hamilton in June have been included. They are captain Ash Dixon, lock Tom Franklin, No8 Akira Ioane and midfield back Charlie Ngatai.

McMillan is blessed with midfield back options, having named five such players with Super Rugby experience. However, the only outside back specialist is Manawatu flyer Ambrose Curtis.

Those selected for the first time are props Ross Wright and Tyrel Lomax, hooker Liam Polwart, locks Jackson Hemopo and Keepa Mewett, loose forwards Sam Henwood and Jordan Manihera, halfback Jonathan Ruru, first five-eighth Jackson Garden-Bachop and midfield back Teihorangi Walden.

Interest will surround the form of former Melbourne Rebels front-rower Lomax, the son of former Kiwis league prop John Lomax. The 21-year-old has committed to New Zealand by signing a two-year contract with the Highlanders and Tasman.

McMillan said most of his squad have displayed strong NPC form but admits they will lean on the experience of a handful of players to show the way.

"We are fortunate to have Ash Dixon return as captain; he is the heart of our pack and his leadership, both on and off the field, steers the team's special character," he said.

Maori All Blacks squad:

Backs: Ambrose Curtis, Sean Wainui, Charlie Ngatai, Teihorangi Walden, Rob Thompson, Tim Bateman, Ihaia West, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Brad Weber, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Jonathan Ruru.

Forwards: Akira Ioane, Jordan Manihera, Sam Henwood, Dan Pryor, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Jarrad Hoeata, Keepa Mewett, Chris Eves, Ross Wright, Marcel Renata, Tyrel Lomax, Ash Dixon (c), Liam Polwart.