Maori All Blacks Name Team For Munster Clash
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Maori All Blacks’ head coach Colin Cooper has made seven changes to the team to face Munster on Friday in Limerick.
The side includes five new caps in Reed Prinsep, Billy Guyton and Ambrose Curtis who will start, while Under 20s captain Leni Apisai and Waikato skipper Whetu Douglas will make their debuts off the bench.
Cooper said the win over the USA last week was satisfying but they were also looking forward to the unique experience of playing in Limerick.
“Our exit plays last week were particularly good and I thought that was the edge that we had over the US,” said Cooper.
“We played a lot of rugby in their half. But I think that Munster being another physical pack, particularly at lineout driving time, we will want to play the game in their half.
“We’re expecting a lot of physicality down the back so we’ll be looking to our bench to make an impact. This match is a huge game. I think every player at some stage in their career would like to play Munster in Limerick.
We certainly saw the passion of the people here and the stadium being sold out, Ireland beating the All Blacks at the weekend – it’s got everyone pretty hummed so it will be a mighty contest.”
Cooper said he’s looking forward to the tie and is wary of the home support.
“The crowd is like an extra, the 24th person. They are very vocal and very passionate so it will be a challenge for us. I’ve always admired Munster from afar. The people here are pretty passionate, and certainly people here know New Zealand and they know these players – they are very respectful people.
“This game is going to be special. I’ve always admired Munster from afar and now I’m going to be at the coalface of taking on Munster, it will be a great experience and opportunity to lead such good men like we’ve got in this group.”
Maori All Blacks’ team Vs. Munster
15 Marty McKenzie, 14 Ambrose Curtis, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 James Love, 10 Otere Lowe, 9 Billy Guyton.
1 Kane Hames, 2 Ash Dixon (capt), 3 Ben May, 4 Leighton Price, 5 Tom Franklin, 6 Reed Prinsep, 7 Shane Christi, 8 Akira Ioane.
Replacements:
16 Lensi Apisai, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Whetu Douglas, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Jason Emery.
