25 May 2007

Maori rugby set to defend its Churchill Cup title

11:14 am on 25 May 2007

Four players will make their New Zealand Maori debut tomorrow morning as the defending champ kicks off its Churchill Cup title defence against Canada in England.

The Maori are absorbing the loss of in form loose forward, Liam Messam, who's been injured out and was player of the tournament at the last Cup

Otago prop Keith Cameron, Southland centre Jason Kawau, Canterbury lock Isaac Ross and Wellington prop, Hoani Tui, have been named in the starting line-up for the match.

Canterbury midfielder Rua Tipoki will captain the side.