Rugby: NZ Maori net widened for centenary matches

Former All Black Isaac Ross, unwanted by the Crusaders for most of this year’s Super 14, has been named in the NZ Maori squad. Photo / Getty Images

Two players have been plucked from the provinces for the New Zealand Maori rugby team's centenary matches next month.

The 26-man squad named today by coach Jamie Joseph feature 12 players new to the Maori side, two of whom have not figured in this year's Super 14 competition in Manawatu halfback Aaron Smith and Wellington lock Daniel Ramsay

Another four - Highlanders utility back Robbie Robinson and Chiefs trio Romana Graham, Jarrad Hoeata and Ben Afeaki - played at Super 14 level for the first time this year.

Experience is offered by Canterbury hooker Corey Flynn and Wellington wing Hosea Gear.

Flynn first played for New Zealand Maori in 2002 and captained them to Churchill Cup success in 2004, the same year Gear turned out for the team for the first time.

The captaincy has been entrusted to Waikato loose forward Liam Messam, who was a co-captain when they won the Pacific Nations Cup in 2008.

Another named is former All Blacks lock Isaac Ross, who lost his place in the Crusaders during this season's Super 14.

New Zealand Maori are to play the New Zealand Barbarians at Whangarei on June 12, Ireland at Rotorua on June 18 and England at Napier on June 23.

NZ Maori squad

Backs: Stephen Brett (Canterbury), Hosea Gear (Wellington), Jarrad Hoeata (Taranaki), Sean Maitland (Canterbury), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Willie Ripia (Taranaki), Robbie Robinson (Southland), Aaron Smith (Manawatu), Chris Smylie (North Harbour), Dwayne Sweeney (Waikato), Andre Taylor (Manawatu), Jackson Willison (Waikato).

Forwards: Ben Afeaki (North Harbour), Colin Bourke (Bay of Plenty), Dane Coles (Wellington), Jacob Ellison (Wellington), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Romana Graham (Waikato), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty), Karl Lowe (Hawke's Bay), Liam Messam (Waikato, captain), Bronson Murray (Northland), Clint Newland (Hawke's Bay), Daniel Ramsey (Wellington), Isaac Ross (Canterbury), Hayden Triggs (Otago).

- NZPA