Super Rugby final standout named in Māori All Blacks squad

Crusaders’ match-winning fly-half Rivez Reihana has been named in a 29-strong Māori All Blacks squad today ahead of their match against a Japan XV in Tokyo on Saturday.

Reihana, 25, who made his Maori All Blacks debut a year ago against Japan, shone for the Crusaders as he kicked 11 points in their 16-12 in their Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

After steering Rob Penney’s side to the title in a career-best display, Reihana returns to the Maori environment as part of a strong squad who will be led by new captain Kurt Eklund.

Blues hooker Eklund, 33, has been picked as the man to lead the Maori All Blacks against Japan and against Scotland in Whangarei on 5 July.

Head coach Ross Filipo has named 11 uncapped players including 20-year-old Blues centre Xavi Taele.

Filipo praised new team captain Eklund.

“This team demands a strong leader with mana, and Kurt has shown that quality and more over a long period of time, for the Maori All Blacks, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and the Blues. He has a lot of experience throughout the squad and that will be a strength for what will be two tough matches.”  

Picture courtesy of NZ Rugby

Filipo also recognised the new call-ups including Taele whose the youngest squad member.

“It’s a proud moment for all the new caps and their whānau. This is a special team, and these players know they are here to are represent something bigger than themselves - their whakapapa, their language, the jersey and Aotearoa.”

The squad leaves for Japan on Wednesday 25 June.

Māori All Blacks squad:

Props:  Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs)   Jared Proffit* (Ngāti Porou/Taranaki/Chiefs)   Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)   Kershawl Sykes-Martin* (Ngāti Porou/Tasman/Crusaders)  Mason Tupaea* (Ngaati Tiipa, Ngaati Amaru/Waikato/Blues)

Hookers:   Jacob Devery* (Te Aitanga a Mahaki/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)  Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu/Bay of Plenty/Blues)

Locks:  Zach Gallagher* (Te Ātiawa/Canterbury/Hurricanes)   Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Blues)     Antonio Shalfoon* (Whakatōhea/Tasman/Crusaders)   Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngāti Porou/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)

Loose forwards: Nikora Broughton (Ngārauru, Ngāti Ruanui/Bay of Plenty/Highlanders)   Jahrome Brown* (Ngāti Porou/Waikato/Chiefs)   Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa/Wellington/Hurricanes)   Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue/Canterbury/Crusaders)   Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe/Manawatū/Highlanders)     Half Backs:   Kemara Hauiti-Parapara* (Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou/Auckland)   Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi/Northland/Blues)

First five-eighths:  Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine/Northland/Crusaders) Kaleb Trask (Ngāpuhi/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs)

Midfield: Corey Evans (Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu/Northland/Blues)   Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Hurricanes)  Daniel Rona (Te Ātiawa/Taranaki/Chiefs)  Xavi Taele* (Ngāi Tahu/Auckland/Blues)   Gideon Wrampling* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine/Waikato/Chiefs)     Outside Backs:   Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa/Bay of Plenty/Blues)   Jonah Lowe (Ngāti Pikiao/Hawke’s Bay/Highlanders)  Zarn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu/Hawke’s Bay/Blues)    Injury Cover - Kade Banks* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua/North Harbour/Hurricanes) has joined the squad as temporary injury cover for Daniel Rona.    The following players were not considered due to injury:    Rameka Poihipi (Ngāti Whakaue) Cameron Suafoa (Ngāpuhi) Taha Kemara (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Whakatōhea) Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Pikiao, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Awa)   Marcel Renata (Ngāti Whānaunga)   Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Ngāti Raukawa)