Andy Farrell has named his starting XV for his side's first game of the tour in New Zealand. It's a great chance for Ireland to build ome momentum ahead of the first test against the All Blacks on Saturday. Here's all the information you need to know including how to watch Ireland v Maori All Blacks.
When is Ireland v Maori All Blacks?
Kick off is on Wednesday the 29th of June at 8:05am.
How to watch Ireland v Maori All Blacks
Coverage starts at 8am live on Sky Sports Arena.
Form Guide
It's been almost a year since the Maori All Blacks last took to the field where they won 38-21 against Samoa. This time around, a number of former New Zealand players have been called into the squad ahead of the game with Ireland in a new look for the Maori All Blacks.
Andy Farrell will be keen to find a first ever win in New Zealand for any Ireland side and the midweek game against a strong Maori All Blacks will be seen as a great opportunity to build confidence ahead of Saturday.
Ireland finished in second place during the Six Nations campaign with a loss to France leading to Les Bleus this year's Grand Slam.
Team News
Andy Farrell has named an exciting team to face the Maori All Blacks with five players selected to make their debuts.
Two of those come in the backline with Jimmy O'Brien starting at full back and the versatile Ciaran Frawley at out half. In the pack there's debuts for Munster's Jeremy Loughman alongside Leinster lock Joe McCarthy and Connacht back row Cian Prendergast.
Bundee Aki will captain Ireland for the first time and starts beside James Hume at centre.
Introducing our first line up of the Tour! ✊
Bundee Aki will captain Ireland against the Māori All Blacks at FMG Stadium Waikato on Wednesday night. #TeamOfUs | #MABvIRE— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 27, 2022
The experienced TJ Perenara was a surprise exclusion for the New Zealand squad but he does make the bench for the Maori All Blacks. Starting ahead of Perenara is Brad Weber, a player who has earned 17 caps for his country.
There's a big mix of experience with youth in the side with Shaun Stevenson, Josh Ioane, Cullen Grace, Billy Proctor and Tyrel Lomax all starting.
21-year-old Zarn Sullivan gets the nod at full back with his brother Bailyn named among the replacements.
Tapaina Tīma!
▪️ 10 debutants
▪️ Brad Weber & TJ Perenara named as Kāpene Paheko (co-captains)
▪️ Sullivan brothers named to play together for first time#MABvIRE pic.twitter.com/FIcRi8iipI— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 26, 2022
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