New Zealand Maori name team to take on Australia A
July 04, 2008 - 2:54pm
Story by: ARU
New Zealand Maori Coach Donny Stevenson and Assistant Coach Milton Haig have named the New Zealand Maori team for the “Grand Final” of the IRB Pacific Nations Cup against Australia A at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
Tasman and Chief’s tight head prop Ben May is suffering from flu and has been bracketed with Northland and Blues’ prop Bronson Murray. A decision about May’s availability will be made on match day.
There are three changes to the Maori team that ran away from Japan in the second half to win 65 – 22 in Napier last weekend.
Wellington and Hurricanes loose forward Thomas Waldrom comes into the starting line up at No.8 with captain Liam Messam moving to blindside flanker. Southland flanker Hoani MacDonald drops to the bench.
There are two changes to the back three with Wellington and Hurricanes winger Hosea Gear coming in at left wing with New Zealand Sevens star Zar Lawrence dropping to the bench.
There’s also a change at fullback where Waikato and Chiefs utility back Dwayne Sweeney comes in with Shannon Paku moving to the right wing. Otago fullback Glen Horton drops to the bench.
“Sunday’s match is crucial and whoever wins it wins the tournament” said Stevenson, “and we are treating it as a final.”
“Last week’s match against Japan gave us a lot of confidence in terms of our attacking game and knowing that Australia A pride themselves on their attack as well, we expect a good game.”
New Zealand Maori team to play Australia A
Round 5 – iRB Pacific Nations Cup
Date: Sunday July 6
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium
Kick Off: 2pm
Tickets available at www.ticketek.com.au
1. Jacob Ellison
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Bronson Murray / Ben May
4. Ross Filipo
5. Jason Eaton
6. Liam Messam (Co-captain)
7. Tanerau Latimer
8. Thomas Waldrom
9. Piri Weepu
10. Callum Bruce
11. Hosea Gear
12. Tamati Ellison (Co-captain)
13. Jason Kawau
14. Shannon Paku
15. Dwayne Sweeney
Reserves
16. Hikawera Elliot
17. Bronson Murray / Ben May
18. Hoani MacDonald
19. Scott Waldrom
20. Chris Smylie
21. Tim Bateman
22. Zar Lawrence
