Cooper names strong Maori ABs squad; by Planet Rugby

Maori All Blacks head coach Colin Cooper has named his squad to compete in matches against Fiji and the New Zealand Barbarians next month.

The 27-man squad features 10 new caps and will again be captained by Chiefs back Charlie Ngatai.

The squad's new members are: Quentin MacDonald, Josh Hohneck, Jacob Skeen, Akira Ioane, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Otere Black, Sean Wainui, Rieko Ioane, Codey Rei.

The Maori All Blacks face Fiji in Suva on July 11 before taking on the New Zealand Barbarians at Eden Park in Auckland on July 18.

Cooper said the 2015 squad was an exciting mix of experienced hands and promising young talent. It includes 13 players who took part in last year’s tour to Japan and three members of the successful New Zealand U20 team which won the recent World Championship title in Italy.

“This is a well-balanced side with some very experienced campaigners who have now played on several tours and know our systems well," he told allblacks.com

"I'll be expecting them to lead by example and show the new boys the high standards we expect.

“We have a proud record of success to uphold and I am sure this side will work hard to honour the great legacy of the Maori All Blacks,” said Cooper.

“It is very pleasing to introduce some exciting new talent to the 2015 side. Akira Ioane has really impressed with the Blues this year and both he, Otere Black and Sean Wainui are coming off the great win for New Zealand U20 at the World Championship in Italy so I am sure they will want to carry on that form. 

"Rieko Ioane will also provide great pace out wide and he's hugely matured with the All Blacks Sevens this year despite still only being 18 years old.

“We've also seen how well Damian McKenzie has equipped himself in his first season at the Chiefs which is a huge test for any young man.

"He's shown incredible maturity so he along with his brother Marty who toured with us last year, will strengthen the backline.” 

Cooper urged fans to support the Maori All Blacks at Eden Park.

“We're really looking forward to this tour," he added.

"These players have a great opportunity to test their skills against a tough international opponent in Fiji as it looks to build for the Rugby World Cup and the Barbarians match will also be a stiff contest.

“We hope fans come out and support the Maori All Blacks at home as we haven’t played in New Zealand since 2010. This is a top chance to see some of the best players in the country test their skills against what we expect to be a very strong Barbarians side.

“We know the Barbarians also have a proud reputation to uphold like us so I think fans will be in for a great display of attacking rugby. 

"It’s also a huge opportunity for players to continue to press for selection for the All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad so there will be a lot at stake. It should be a fantastic match.”

2014 Maori All Blacks squad members not available because of injury were; Tom Franklin, Mike Kainga, James Lowe, Sean Polwart, Dan Pryor and Joe Webber.

The squad departs for Fiji on Wednesday 8 July.

Maori All Blacks squad:

Forwards: Joe Royal, Ash Dixon, Quentin MacDonald, Chris Eves, Brendon Edmonds, Josh Hohneck, Ben May, Hayden Triggs, Jacob Skeen, Blade Thomson, Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Akira Ioane, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Mitchell Crosswell.

Backs: Jamison Gibson-Park, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Otere Black, Jason Emery, Charlie Ngatai (c), Sean Wainui, Kurt Baker, Rieko Ioane, Marty McKenzie, Matt Proctor, Codey Rei.

Cut it any which way you like poi-e but in my opinion it's a race based team, one that I reject. AS I would if it was an all Caucasian team....or an Aboriginal team.

Wardad

Apologies for not responding sooner as I do find your perspective quite interesting.

Before we go anywhere, please note that I do not say it's a racist team and also please note that I say "...it's one I reject."

My stance, my opinion....not necessarily everyone else's.

The team was also rejected a visit to South Africa by SARU, not by the South African government.....I supported that stance.

Allow me to give you an example I experienced way back in the 1970's.

Back in those years the only international sporting body recognized in South Africa was the South African Table Tennis Board.....a non Caucasian body. The board selected a team to represent "South Africa" at the world champs in India. After the team was announced and decked out in "national blazers" the ITTF( International Table Tennis Federation) made it clear to the SATTB that it would only accept a team that was truly representative of all of South Africa. That team sadly had to be withdrawn, a few close friends of mine were part of the team. The decision was morally correct and it's the price we had to pay less we ourselves would be deemed hypocrites.

I understand where you're coming from, I hope you understand where I'm coming from.

I understand that it's increasingly difficult for indigenous people to maintain their culture and identity and I understand that the circumstances surrounding the Moari team is starkly different to the South African experience.

Peace.