Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?

[Dan54]

@Bovidae said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

I assume this squad will be named shortly. They've gained 2 halfbacks and a prop from the ABs, although Lomax was always at long odds to make the ABs. More importantly, that haven't lost a player as a bolter to the ABs.

They also got Norris at prop too.

[Stargazer]

@Dan54 Norris was never going to make the ABs (and was already on the list for potential MABs).

[Bovidae]

@Dan54 Norris was never a realistic chance for the ABs. One for the future. I was thinking of Bailyn Sullivan.

[bobily2]

I guess Ratima also misses out on this squad, which is a shame

[Machpants]

When's the team named, they're playing first, right?

[Bovidae]

@bobily2 said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

I guess Ratima also misses out on this squad, which is a shame

Yeah, even if McMillan picks 3 halfbacks Ratima might be the one who misses out.

[Stargazer]

@Machpants I heard that the team would be named today. I was a bit surprised they didn't name the squad after the ABs squad was named.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae They (MABs) never pick three halfbacks for just two games in NZ. One may be on stand-by, but not in the squad.

[Crucial]

I just read a post in the Stuff discussion that mentioned the MABs being named tomorrow.

[chimoaus]

Considering we have always had a huge gap behind Smith it is good we have competition at 9, even if they never reach Smith status at least they are putting pressure on each other.

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer If they are taking these games seriously, which they will be, I would be picking a larger squad so all players are training together. There will be less disruption if there are injuries.

[bobily2]

@Stargazer said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Machpants I heard that the team would be named today. I was a bit surprised they didn't name the squad after the ABs squad was named.

I think I heard it was tomorrow

edit: well and truly beaten to it

[taniwharugby]

@Stargazer given I read the reason they chose the location of the announcement was a nod to the Maori and Pacific influence in our game.

[ACT Crusader]

@Crucial said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

I just read a post in the Stuff discussion that mentioned the MABs being named tomorrow.

Another day’s pay for the preacher then?

[ARHS]

@Bovidae said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@bobily2 said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

I guess Ratima also misses out on this squad, which is a shame

Yeah, even if McMillan picks 3 halfbacks Ratima might be the one who misses out.

@Bovidae said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@bobily2 said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

I guess Ratima also misses out on this squad, which is a shame

Yeah, even if McMillan picks 3 halfbacks Ratima might be the one who misses out.

But, is TJP injured?

[Bovidae]

@ARHS said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

But, is TJP injured?

Only his pride.

I expect he'll be the captain now.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae yeah, him or Weber. Unless McMillan has the same strange fascination with Prinsep as Holland has.

[KiwiMurph]

[Stargazer]

[Tim]

Someone's claiming a squad leak over on reddit.

Cameron Suafoa has Maori heritage? That might be BS.

https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/comments/vbrk6l/leaked_nz_maori_squad_to_be_announced_tomorrow/

Tamaiti Williams Ollie Norris Marcel Renata Jermaine Ainsley Tyrel Lomax Leni Apisai Kurt Eklund Tyrone Thompson Isaia Walker Leawere Manaaki Selby Rickit Josh Dickson Reep Prinsep Caleb Delany Billy Harmon TK Howden Cameron Suafoa Max Hicks

TJ Perenara Brad Weber Sam Nock Josh Ioane Ruben Love Alex Nanikivell Rameka Poihipi Billy Proctor Bailyn Sullivan Connor Garden Bachop Josh Moorby Zarn Sullivan Shaun Stevenson