2021 Māori All Blacks

[Stargazer]

With Tupaea named in the ABs squad, I assume they'll need a new addition to the Māori All Blacks midfield.

I assume Poihipi will be the main candidate?

[Tim]

@stargazer Any of your Hawkes boys?

[Stargazer]

@tim Lowe is already in the squad as an outside back, and Ili, Fomai and Toala are Samoan.

[Bovidae]

They are in camp so will McMillan add another halfback and hooker? There is probably enough cover for these two games with Wainui and Lowe able to move into centre.

[Stargazer]

@bovidae Harris and Ruru?

Kereru-Symes and Enari?

[Nepia]

@tim said in 2021 Māori All Blacks:

@stargazer Any of your Hawkes boys?

They should add Sullivan (who should have been in the first squad) and Lowe and Wainu can cover midfield.

Seriously, how the fudge did Sullivan not make this team? Ennor made the flipping ABs off less games.

[Bovidae]

Rameka Poihipi is Tupaea's replacement.

[Bovidae]

[Stargazer]

It looks like there are several new faces added to the Māori All Blacks squad as injury and All Blacks cover:

Rameka Poihipi, Jacob Norris ( Ta$man/flanker), Caleb Delany (Wellington/lock)

[KiwiMurph]

I wonder if the first fixture is now moved or played in front of no fans?

[Stargazer]

@kiwimurph I don't think they can move a game on such short notice. As to playing without crowds: I don't think they'll take that decision today! They'll wait for results of day 5 testing.

[Machpants]

@kiwimurph said in 2021 Māori All Blacks:

I wonder if the first fixture is now moved or played in front of no fans?

No crowds

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/300340209/covid19-nz-manu-samoa-vs-mori-all-blacks-match-to-be-played-in--empty-wellington-stadium

[Stargazer]

I don't think the Samoan squad has been posted yet?

Manu Samoa

Ah See Tuala (Northampton Saints)

AJ Alatimu (Seattle Seawolves)

Aki Seiuli (Glasgow Warriors)

Alamanda Motuga (Counties Manukau)

Albert Anae (Melbourne Rebels)

Auvasa Falealii (Papatoetoe RC, Auckland)

Ben Nee Nee (Kamaishi Seawolves, Japan)

D'Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech, Hamilton)

Dwayne Polataivao (Pakuranga RC, Auckland)

Elisapeta Alofipo (Tama Uli Salelologa, Samoa)

Henry Stowers (Brumbies)

Henry Taefu (Western Force)

Jack Lam (NEC Green Rockets, Japan)

Joe Perez (Laulii Lions, Samoa)

John Vaili (Aana Chiefs, Samoa)

JP Sauni (Associates, Australia)

Kalolo Tuiloma (Counties Manukau)

Losi Filipo (Bay of Plenty)

Michael Alaalatoa (captain - Crusaders)

Neria Fomai (Hawke's Bay/Highlanders)

Olajuwon Noa (Hunter Wildfires, Australia)

Ray Niuia (Blues)

Rodney Yona (Brumbies)

Sam Slade (Counties Manukau)

Seilala Lam (Perpignan)

Stacey Ili (Melbourne Rebels/Hawke's Bay)

Teofilo Paulo (Avalon, Wellington)

Theodore McFarland (Moamoa Roosters, Samoa)

Tietie Tuimauga (Manawatu)

TJ Ioane (Glasgow Warriors)

Tomasi Alosio (Hutt Old Boys Marist, Wellington)

https://urbantechsamoa.com/manusamoa/seilala-mapusua-has-cast-his-selection-net-far-and-wide-in-choosing-his-squad-to-play-the-maori-all-blacks-in-june-july/

[Nepia]

Can I do the Maori team usual disclaimer:

Whakapapa is all that counts, blood quantum is irrelevant. It’s based on Iwi and your ancestors lying in the ground, nothing else.

Lots of Maori have anglicised versions of their last name. I have one.

IWL looks more Maori than Fijian.

We good? 😉

[Nepia]

@stargazer said in 2021 Māori All Blacks:

@bovidae It looks like Devan Flanders doesn't have Maori heritage. Surely he would have been in the squad if he had?

I wonder if he has other Poly ancestry? Or is he just swarthy?

[Bovidae]

[Stargazer]

Holy sh*t, look at Rakete-Stones at 2:20! I knew he can squat more than any other player in NZ, but seeing him do it is another thing! And this is not even his best.

[Daffy Jaffy]