Māori All Blacks side set for Scotland clash
- Dave Worsley
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 5
The Māori All Blacks have named their team to face Scotland this weekend, as the squad returns home to New Zealand following a 50-23 win over the Japan XV in Tokyo.
Head Coach Ross Filipo, Muaupoko, says while the team took confidence from last weekend’s performance, the focus has quickly shifted to the unique challenge Scotland presents.
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“Japan tested us with fast-paced rugby in hot conditions, and I was proud of the way the team came out in that second half in particular. They made quick decisions, and you could see the cohesion get better and better as the game went on,” said Filipo.
“We know Scotland have their own style, so we are now firmly looking forward. Scotland are physical, and the team is ready for that. We are focused on working collectively to balance our natural instincts with smart decision-making.”
The match, to be played at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, marks a special moment for the team, who are excited to be back on home soil and embraced by the Northland community.
Filipo and his assistant coaches Roger Randle, Ngāti Awa, and Greg Feek, Ngāti Kahungunu, have made minimal changes to the team, however Antonio is Shalfoon set to make his debut, Daniel Rona is named in the starting 15, and Corey Evans comes into the playing 23.
The team (tima) was announced today at the Northland Rugby Union clubrooms by five local tamariki and rangatahi in front of media, Northland Rugby Union board and staff members, and members of the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board.
Māori All Blacks v Scotland, Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei, 3.35pm Saturday, 5 July
1. Jared Proffit, Ngāti Porou
2. Kurt Eklund, Ngāti Kahu (C)
3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Ngāti Porou
4. Antonio Shalfoon*, Whakatōhea
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ngāti Porou
6. Te Kamaka Howden, Tūhoe
7. Jahrome Brown, Ngāti Porou
8. Cullen Grace, Ngāti Whakaue
9. Sam Nock, Ngāpuhi
10. Rivez Reihana, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
11. Daniel Rona, Te Ātiawa
12. Gideon Wrampling, Ngāpuhi
13. Bailyn Sullivan, Ngāti Kahungunu
14. Cole Forbes, Ngāti Awa
15. Zarn Sullivan, Ngāti Kahungunu
Bench
16. Jacob Devery, Te Aitanga a Mahaki
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, Ngāpuhi
18. Benet Kumeroa, Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi
19. Laghlan McWhannell, Ngāti Kahungunu
20. Caleb Delany, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
21. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou
22. Kaleb Trask, Ngāpuhi
23. Corey Evans, Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu
Kick-off is scheduled for 3.35pm, Saturday 5 July, at Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei.
