Five players will debut for the Māori All Blacks team, to be captained by Hurricanes midfielder Bailyn Sullivan, when it plays a Japan XV in Nagoya on Saturday.

New Māori All Blacks Head Coach Tamati Ellison (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Whakaue) has named his first squad in charge of the team, selecting a blend of experienced campaigners along with six uncapped players for the 2026 season.

Led by All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi the Chiefs have destroyed a timied Blues 59-34 in Super Rugby Pacific in Hamilton.