The New Zealand MÄori rugby coach Jamie Joseph has named nine possible debutants in the team to take on the New Zealand Barbarians in the first game of the New Zealand MÄori Centenary Series on Saturday in Whangarei, including four debutants in the starting fifteen.
The Wellington lock Daniel Ramsay of KÄi Tahu, Waikato centre Jackson Willison of NgÄti Mahuta, Canterbury winger Sean Maitland of NgÄpuhi and Southland fullback Robbie Robinson of NgÄti Tuwharetoa will make their run on debut while five others have been named on the bench.
However Joseph is confident the side will not lack in experience with Wellington winger Hosea Gear (NgÄti Porou/Ngariki Kaiputahi) making his 13th start for the New Zealand MÄori team and captain Liam Messam (Ngai Tuhoe) playing in his 10th match for the side.
The team is (province and iwi):
Bronson Murray Northland NgÄpuhi
Corey Flynn Canterbury KÄi Tahu
Clint Newland Hawke's Bay NgÄti Kahungunu
Isaac Ross Canterbury NgÄti Kahungunu
Daniel Ramsay * Wellington KÄi Tahu
Jarrad Hoeata Taranaki NgÄti Kahungunu/Ngai Tuhoe
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty Tapuika/NgÄti Makino/Te Arawa
Liam Messam ( c ) Waikato Ngai Tuhoe
Chris Smylie North Harbour NgÄti Mutunga
Stephen Brett Canterbury Ngapuhi/Te Arawa
Hosea Gear Wellington NgÄti Porou/Ngariki Kaiputahi
Luke McAlister North Harbour Te Ätiawa
Jackson Willison* Waikato NgÄti Mahuta
Sean Maitland * Canterbury NgÄpuhi
Robbie Robinson * Southland NgÄti Tuwharetoa
Reserves
Dane Coles * Wellington NgÄti Porou
Ben Afeaki * North Harbour NgÄti Awa
Romana Graham * Waikato NgÄti Awa
Hayden Triggs Otago NgÄti Kahungunu
Colin Bourke * Bay of Plenty NgÄti Wairere
Aaron Smith * Manawatu NgÄti Kahungunu
Dwayne Sweeney Waikato NgÄti Mahanga
Note: * denotes New Zealand MÄori debutant
