Six Maori changes for Irish match

New Zealand Maori coach Donny Stevenson has made wholesale changes for the Churchill Cup match against Ireland A in San Francisco tomorrow.

Stevenson will play just six players who featured in the 74-6 win over the United States in San Francisco.

Locks Paul Tito and Kristian Ormsby, Liam Messam, who moves from the openside flank to No 8, halfback Chris Smylie, centre Richard Kahui and fullback Shannon Paku have been included in the starting line-up again.

Jono Gibbes, who was rested from his team's opening match in the six-team competition, will captain the team.

Stevenson said the short period between matches meant it was important to keep players fresh.

"We have three days between games so it is important that we give everyone a run and rotate players," he said.

"From what we know of Ireland, they are well organised in defence and their set pieces are good so we are expecting a good battle."

Ireland A beat the US 28-13 last weekend.

Meanwhile, Bay of Plenty's Warren Smith will replace Wellington's Ross Filipo who injured a knee against the US.

- NZPA