Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?

[Nepia]

I’m confused how he didn’t make the original squad.

[Dolamite]

@Nepia maybe they just found out he was Māori, he’s definitely the best loose forward in that squad

[Old Samurai Jack]

@Nepia I'm flabbergasted!

[Nepia]

@Dolamite said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Nepia maybe they just found out he was Māori, he’s definitely the best loose forward in that squad

Yeah, possibly, but I thought they all had to declare they were eligible with their contracts.

Maybe he didn’t know his whakapapa?

[Stargazer]

@Nepia Yeah, and/or maybe it took time to get the required paper work.

[Stargazer]

Media release: Max Hicks called up, too.

https://www.allblacks.com/news/maori-all-blacks-bolster-squad-ahead-of-first-match-against-ireland/

[Dan54]

@Dolamite said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Nepia maybe they just found out he was Māori, he’s definitely the best loose forward in that squad

I think maybe they were waiting to see how he was after final, as you say he would seem the best loose forward in squad.

[Dan54]

@Dan54 said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Stargazer said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

Yep wonder about that too, same as Nock coming in is it more or less planned or Weber or TJP having to cover if Nuggy Smith is not quite right.

Whoops I just stopped and thought Nock would be there as you need 3 9s in case of one pulling out late.

[Old Samurai Jack]

Sam Nock over Bryn Hall as well.

[Stargazer]

@Old-Samurai-Jack May have to do with the fact that Hall is going to Japan.

[taniwharugby]

@Stargazer still, the Maori side isnt all about a development path though.

Hall has played better.

[Stargazer]

@taniwharugby I was more thinking of the possibility that Hall made himself unavailable because he wants a good break before heading to Japan (he won't be playing NPC, will he?). They have a really long preseason.

[Bovidae]

Nock and Hicks were in that leaked squad, but not named at the official announcement. We need a few more gingas in the Māori squad.

[junior]

@Nepia said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Dolamite said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Nepia maybe they just found out he was Māori, he’s definitely the best loose forward in that squad

Yeah, possibly, but I thought they all had to declare they were eligible with their contracts.

Maybe he didn’t know his whakapapa?

Christian Cullen has entered the chat

[Grooter]

@junior fun fact Grace is named after his Christian Cullen

[Dan54]

@junior said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Nepia said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Dolamite said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Nepia maybe they just found out he was Māori, he’s definitely the best loose forward in that squad

Yeah, possibly, but I thought they all had to declare they were eligible with their contracts.

Maybe he didn’t know his whakapapa?

Christian Cullen has entered the chat

Well as most from the Nua where Cullen was from knew his roots that would surprise me if Grace doesn't know his.

[Dan54]

@Stargazer said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@taniwharugby I was more thinking of the possibility that Hall made himself unavailable because he wants a good break before heading to Japan (he won't be playing NPC, will he?). They have a really long preseason.

Hall actually laughed on tv that he missed Maori team because of TJP and Weber, so don't think that is case,

[taniwharugby]

@Dan54 although he may have subsequently made himself unavailable if they then came knocking after overlooking him initially?

[Dan54]

@taniwharugby said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Dan54 although he may have subsequently made himself unavailable if they then came knocking after overlooking him initially?

No idea mate, but wuld gues as it just 3rd 9 they looking for maybe felt it better to have someone who will be here next year etc. Not saying I know anymoe than anyone else and all guesswork of course.

[ACT Crusader]

@taniwharugby said in Māori All Blacks to play Ireland?:

@Dan54 although he may have subsequently made himself unavailable if they then came knocking after overlooking him initially?

Christian Cullen has entered the chat (again)