Māori All Blacks debutants to face Japan XV
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
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.
Māori All Blacks coach Tamati Ellison has named deubtants Adam Lennox, Reon Paul, Tahlor Cahill, Torian Barnes and Payton Spencer, the son of former NZ Māori and All Black Carlos Spencer, in his run-on team.
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“There’s been great energy throughout the week,” said Ellison
“The players have embraced the challenge, connected strongly as a group and prepared well for what we know will be a committed Japan XV side.”
In the front row are three experienced players in Ollie Norris from the Chiefs who has played for the All Blacks plus Chiefs hooker Tyronne Thompson along with Marcel Renata who has over 60 appearances for the Blues.
The backline has plenty of pace with Paul, Sullivan, Spencer and Forbes at fullback.
1. Ollie Norris (Ngāpuhi)
2. Tyrone Thompson (Ngaii Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Rangiwewehi)
3. Marcel Renata (Ngāti Whanaunga)
4. Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu)
5. Tahlor Cahill* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Raukawa)
6. Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe)
7. Jahrome Brown (Ngāti Porou)
8. Torian Barnes* (Ngāti Whātua)
9. Adam Lennox* (Ngāti Kūia, Ngāti Raukawa)
10. Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine)
11. Reon Paul* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou)
12. Xavi Taele (Ngāi Tahu)
13. Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu) – captain
14. Payton Spencer* (Ngāti Kahungunu, Mūaupoko)
15. Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa)
16. Jacob Devery (Te Aitanga a Mahaki)
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi)
18. Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi)
19. Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa)
20. Nikora Broughton (Ngārauru, Ngāti Ruanui)
21. Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi)
22. Taha Kemara (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Whakatōhea)
23. Kyle Brown* (Waikato)
*Denotes Māori All Blacks debut
