KEY POINTS:
New Zealand Maori coach Donny Stevenson and his assistant Milton Haig today announced their squad for the Pacific Nations Cup.
New Zealand Maori will make its debut in the competition this year and will play internationals against Australia A, Japan, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
The squad includes six new players and Wellington's Tamati Ellison and Waikato's Liam Messam have been named co-captains.
Stevenson said the competition would provide a new and exciting challenge for the team.
"This year will be the first time in a while that we will play five matches on consecutive weekends and that will be a huge test for the team.
"Our Pacific Island rivals are very passionate about their rugby, Japan continues to improve on the international stage and we know Australia A will be a tough team in Sydney. But that's the challenge and we are thrilled to compete in this competition," Stevenson said.
NZ Maori squad (province and iwi):
Tim Bateman (Canterbury, Kaitahu), Daniel Braid (Auckland, Tainui), Stephen Brett (Canterbury, Kaitahu), Callum Bruce (Waikato, Ngati Kahungunu), Keith Cameron (Otago, Te Whanau Apanui), Aled de Malmanche (Waikato, Tainui), Jason Eaton (Taranaki, Ngati Apa), Hikawera Elliot (Hawke's Bay, Ngati Kahungunu), Jacob Ellison (Wellington, Ngati Porou), Tamati Ellison (Wellington, Ngati Porou, captain), Ross Filipo (Wellington, Ngati Raukawa), Hosea Gear (Wellington, Ngati Porou / Aitanga Mahaki), Glen Horton (Otago, Te Whaetoa), Jason Kawau (Southland, Ngati Apa), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty, Ngati Rangi), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty, Ngapuhi), Hoani MacDonald (Southland, Rangitane), Ben May (Tasman, Tainui), Liam Messam (Waikato, Tuhoe, captain), Clint Newland (Hawke's Bay, Ngati Kahungunu), Shannon Paku (Wellington, Ngati Kahungunu / Tuhoe), Chris Smylie (North Harbour, Ngati Mutunga), Dwayne Sweeney (Waikato, Tainui), Hayden Triggs (Manawatu, Ngati Kahungunu), Thomas Waldrom (Wellington, Ngati Porou), Piri Weepu (Wellington, Whakatohea)
NZ Maori Pacific Nations Cup schedule (all times local):
Saturday 7 June: v Tonga, North Harbour Stadium, Albany at 4.40pm
Saturday 14 June: v Fiji, Churchill Park, Lautoka at 3.05pm
Saturday 21 June: v Manu Samoa, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton at 4.40pm Saturday 28 June: v Japan, McLean Park, Napier at 2.40pm
Sunday 6 July: v Australia A, Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney at 2.10pm
- NZ HERALD STAFF
