2020 Māori All Blacks
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If they’re looking for a young lock on the rise, there’s a kid playing for Ta$man, Isaac Ross.
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Not sure what the criteria is to be selected in the Island team, but if it's just whoever has Island heritage, then here's who could be in the team.
Loosehead: Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jarred Adams, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, James Lay, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Rob Cobb
Hooker: Andrew Makalio, Luteru Tolai, Samisoni Takei'aho
Tighthead: Angus Ta'avao, Sione Mafileo, Siate Tokolahi, Michael Alaalatoa, Alex Fidow, Joe Apikatoa, Josh Iosefa-Scott
Lock: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kane Leaupepe, Samipeni Finau, Sam Slade
6/8: Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Pita Sowakula, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Vaea Fifita, Nasi Manu, Viliame Taulani
Openside: Sione Havili, Alamanda Motuga, Murphy Taramai
Halfbacks: Folau Fakatava, Jonathan Taumateine, Dwayne Polataivao, Lisati Milo-Harris
First Five: Stephen Perofeta, Luteru Laulala, Orbyn Leger
Midfield: Tumua Manu, Tanielu Telea, Vince Aso, Fetuli Paea, Ray Nu'u, Stacy Ili, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Sio Tomkinson
Wing: Salesi Rayasi, AJ Lam, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Mark Telea, Jacob Raumaitayuki-Kneepkens, Emoni Narawa, Lolagi Visinia, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Kirisi Kuridrani
Fullback: David Havili, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Chase Tiatia
Players who have Maori/Island heritage: Josh Ioane, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Liam Messam, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ere Enari, Jonah Lowe, Shaun Stevenson, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Leni Apisai(?), Nehe Milner-Skudder.
@Dice said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
Not sure what the criteria is to be selected in the Island team, but if it's just whoever has Island heritage, then here's who could be in the team.
Loosehead: Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jarred Adams, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, James Lay, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Rob Cobb
Hooker: Andrew Makalio, Luteru Tolai, Samisoni Takei'aho
Tighthead: Angus Ta'avao, Sione Mafileo, Siate Tokolahi, Michael Alaalatoa, Alex Fidow, Joe Apikatoa, Josh Iosefa-Scott
Lock: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kane Leaupepe, Samipeni Finau, Sam Slade
6/8: Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Pita Sowakula, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Vaea Fifita, Nasi Manu, Viliame Taulani
Openside: Sione Havili, Alamanda Motuga, Murphy Taramai
Halfbacks: Folau Fakatava, Jonathan Taumateine, Dwayne Polataivao, Lisati Milo-Harris
First Five: Stephen Perofeta, Luteru Laulala, Orbyn Leger
Midfield: Tumua Manu, Tanielu Telea, Vince Aso, Fetuli Paea, Ray Nu'u, Stacy Ili, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Sio Tomkinson
Wing: Salesi Rayasi, AJ Lam, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Mark Telea, Jacob Raumaitayuki-Kneepkens, Emoni Narawa, Lolagi Visinia, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Kirisi Kuridrani
Fullback: David Havili, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Chase Tiatia
Players who have Maori/Island heritage: Josh Ioane, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Liam Messam, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ere Enari, Jonah Lowe, Shaun Stevenson, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Leni Apisai(?), Nehe Milner-Skudder.
Du'plessis Kirifi?
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@Nepia said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
@Machpants said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
A very interesting question is who will be in the Pacifika squad, they've all gotta be here in in NZ already. It will be interesting how many are kiwis of heritage Vs born in the other Pacific Islands
Yeah, what is the selection criteria for the PI team I wonder? I guess there will be some players with dual heritage who might have to choose.
They literally said in the media release:
The Moana Pasifika group has secured players of Pasifika heritage, made up of current and former international players, and a number of players eligible for international Pasifika teams. The squad will be announced later this month.
I don't think they'll pick players with All Black caps like Julian Savea, Fifita and Ta'avao. Recent/current Samoa, Fiji and Tonga players like Michael Alaalatoa and Kane Le'aupepe (if fit) are near certainties, I think.
@Stargazer said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
@Nepia said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
@Machpants said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
A very interesting question is who will be in the Pacifika squad, they've all gotta be here in in NZ already. It will be interesting how many are kiwis of heritage Vs born in the other Pacific Islands
Yeah, what is the selection criteria for the PI team I wonder? I guess there will be some players with dual heritage who might have to choose.
They literally said in the media release:
The Moana Pasifika group has secured players of Pasifika heritage, made up of current and former international players, and a number of players eligible for international Pasifika teams. The squad will be announced later this month.
I don't think they'll pick players with All Black caps like Julian Savea, Fifita and Ta'avao. Recent/current Samoa, Fiji and Tonga players like Michael Alaalatoa and Kane Le'aupepe (if fit) are near certainties, I think.
There is a comma after former international players, before and a number of player eligible that says to me former ABs etc are available.
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@Stargazer said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
@Nepia said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
@Machpants said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
A very interesting question is who will be in the Pacifika squad, they've all gotta be here in in NZ already. It will be interesting how many are kiwis of heritage Vs born in the other Pacific Islands
Yeah, what is the selection criteria for the PI team I wonder? I guess there will be some players with dual heritage who might have to choose.
They literally said in the media release:
The Moana Pasifika group has secured players of Pasifika heritage, made up of current and former international players, and a number of players eligible for international Pasifika teams. The squad will be announced later this month.
I don't think they'll pick players with All Black caps like Julian Savea, Fifita and Ta'avao. Recent/current Samoa, Fiji and Tonga players like Michael Alaalatoa and Kane Le'aupepe (if fit) are near certainties, I think.
There is a comma after former international players, before and a number of player eligible that says to me former ABs etc are available.
@Machpants at the end of the day, they want the strongest 2 teams they can field, if there are a few ex-ABs with Island heritage over some random, gotta be good!
Given they are only able to pick form people in NZ too
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Not sure what the criteria is to be selected in the Island team, but if it's just whoever has Island heritage, then here's who could be in the team.
Loosehead: Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jarred Adams, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, James Lay, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Rob Cobb
Hooker: Andrew Makalio, Luteru Tolai, Samisoni Takei'aho
Tighthead: Angus Ta'avao, Sione Mafileo, Siate Tokolahi, Michael Alaalatoa, Alex Fidow, Joe Apikatoa, Josh Iosefa-Scott
Lock: Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kane Leaupepe, Samipeni Finau, Sam Slade
6/8: Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Pita Sowakula, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Vaea Fifita, Nasi Manu, Viliame Taulani
Openside: Sione Havili, Alamanda Motuga, Murphy Taramai
Halfbacks: Folau Fakatava, Jonathan Taumateine, Dwayne Polataivao, Lisati Milo-Harris
First Five: Stephen Perofeta, Luteru Laulala, Orbyn Leger
Midfield: Tumua Manu, Tanielu Telea, Vince Aso, Fetuli Paea, Ray Nu'u, Stacy Ili, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Sio Tomkinson
Wing: Salesi Rayasi, AJ Lam, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Mark Telea, Jacob Raumaitayuki-Kneepkens, Emoni Narawa, Lolagi Visinia, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Kirisi Kuridrani
Fullback: David Havili, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Chase Tiatia
Players who have Maori/Island heritage: Josh Ioane, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Liam Messam, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ere Enari, Jonah Lowe, Shaun Stevenson, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Leni Apisai(?), Nehe Milner-Skudder.
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Teariki Ben-Nicholas is eligible for the Maori ABs, so I'd expect to see him there. Hopefully ahead of either Douglas or Prinsep.
@bobily2 said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
Teariki Ben-Nicholas is eligible for the Maori ABs, so I'd expect to see him there. Hopefully ahead of either Douglas or Prinsep.
My flatmate whose is from Rarotonga insists TBN is also a Cook Islander. Obviously I will have to check with him out whether there might be any Maori ancestry in TBNs family as well.
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@bobily2 said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
Teariki Ben-Nicholas is eligible for the Maori ABs, so I'd expect to see him there. Hopefully ahead of either Douglas or Prinsep.
My flatmate whose is from Rarotonga insists TBN is also a Cook Islander. Obviously I will have to check with him out whether there might be any Maori ancestry in TBNs family as well.
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@Higgins
I can't remember where I read it now but one of his player profiles said he is Cook Islands and MaoriHis Wellington profile doesn't provide any info. On his Highlanders profile (in the video), he says that he's from Raratonga, Cook Islands, but that he grew up in Auckland.
On his Facebook profile, home is Cook Islands.
On his Instagram profile, he only has the Cook Island flag.I haven't been able to find an official profile (from a team or his) that says he's (NZ) Maori.
I guess we'll have to wait and see. -
His Wellington profile doesn't provide any info. On his Highlanders profile (in the video), he says that he's from Raratonga, Cook Islands, but that he grew up in Auckland.
On his Facebook profile, home is Cook Islands.
On his Instagram profile, he only has the Cook Island flag.I haven't been able to find an official profile (from a team or his) that says he's (NZ) Maori.
I guess we'll have to wait and see.Well that's thorough
In hindsight not the most reliable source but
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Forgive my ignorance: I would have thought Cook Island Māori heritage is irrelevant for Māori All Black selection?
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Forgive my ignorance: I would have thought Cook Island Māori heritage is irrelevant for Māori All Black selection?
@nostrildamus said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
Forgive my ignorance: I would have thought Cook Island Māori heritage is irrelevant for Māori All Black selection?
Has it always been the case ?
im not sure of the exact technicalities either but cook islands maori are from the same heritage and they are NZ citizens so i guess why not ?
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@nostrildamus said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
Forgive my ignorance: I would have thought Cook Island Māori heritage is irrelevant for Māori All Black selection?
Has it always been the case ?
im not sure of the exact technicalities either but cook islands maori are from the same heritage and they are NZ citizens so i guess why not ?
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Moana Pasifika squad
Forwards: Alamanda Motuga (Counties Manukau, Tonga), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Canterbury, Highlanders, Samoa), Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (North Harbour, Blues, Samoa), Jordan Lay (Bay of Plenty, Bristol, Samoa), Leni Apisai (Auckland, Samoa/Tuvalu), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u (Hawkes Bay, Highlanders, Samoa), Michael Alaalatoa (Manawatu, Crusaders, Samoa), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington, Chiefs, Samoa), Nasi Manu (Otago, Tonga), Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki, Chiefs, Fiji), Samipeni Finau (Waikato, Tonga) Samisoni Taukieaho (Waikato, Chiefs, Tonga), Sione Mafielo (North Harbour, Blues, Tonga), Zane Kapeli (Bay of Plenty, Tonga).
Backs: Asaeli Tikoroituma (North Harbour, Fiji), Dwyane Polataivao ( Ta$man, Utah Warriors, Samoa), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau, Chiefs, Samoa), Fetuli Paea ( Ta$man, Highlanders Tonga), Folau Fakatava (Hawke’s Bay, Highlanders, Tonga), Jone Macilai (Northland, Fiji), Josh Ioane (Otago, Highlanders, NZ/Samoa), Leicester Fainga’anuku ( Ta$man, Crusaders, Tonga), Salesi Rayasi (Auckland, Hurricanes, Fiji/Samoa), Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki, Blues, Samoa), Tomasi Alosio (Wellington, Samoa), Vince Aso (Wellington, Hurricanes, Samoa)
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@kiwiinmelb no. Imagine saying all Pākeha are eligible for selection for the English team? It's a completely different country and the languages do have differences.
@Yeetyaah said in 2020 Māori All Blacks:
@kiwiinmelb no. Imagine saying all Pākeha are eligible for selection for the English team? It's a completely different country and the languages do have differences.
So does a Cook Islands Maori have Maori whakapapa ?
Genuine question because I don’t know , not saying you are wrong by the way.
My understanding is he must have that plus be a representative of New Zealand rugby union and have Maori whakapapa .
Very different to English selection
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Moana Pasifika squad
Forwards: Alamanda Motuga (Counties Manukau, Tonga), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Canterbury, Highlanders, Samoa), Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (North Harbour, Blues, Samoa), Jordan Lay (Bay of Plenty, Bristol, Samoa), Leni Apisai (Auckland, Samoa/Tuvalu), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u (Hawkes Bay, Highlanders, Samoa), Michael Alaalatoa (Manawatu, Crusaders, Samoa), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington, Chiefs, Samoa), Nasi Manu (Otago, Tonga), Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki, Chiefs, Fiji), Samipeni Finau (Waikato, Tonga) Samisoni Taukieaho (Waikato, Chiefs, Tonga), Sione Mafielo (North Harbour, Blues, Tonga), Zane Kapeli (Bay of Plenty, Tonga).
Backs: Asaeli Tikoroituma (North Harbour, Fiji), Dwyane Polataivao ( Ta$man, Utah Warriors, Samoa), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau, Chiefs, Samoa), Fetuli Paea ( Ta$man, Highlanders Tonga), Folau Fakatava (Hawke’s Bay, Highlanders, Tonga), Jone Macilai (Northland, Fiji), Josh Ioane (Otago, Highlanders, NZ/Samoa), Leicester Fainga’anuku ( Ta$man, Crusaders, Tonga), Salesi Rayasi (Auckland, Hurricanes, Fiji/Samoa), Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki, Blues, Samoa), Tomasi Alosio (Wellington, Samoa), Vince Aso (Wellington, Hurricanes, Samoa)
@Bovidae I find the addition of countries by Stuff a bit weird. It suggests that all of them are eligible to play for those nations, which isn't true. The language nerd in me says they should have used the adjective instead to indicate heritage (Tongan, instead of Tonga, etc).
Here's the official media release, by the way:
https://www.allblacks.com/news/historic-first-squad-for-moana-pasifika-unveiled -
That is a very strong Moana Pasifika squad but not reflective of what their 2022 SR squad could look like. The vast majority are already contracted to NZ teams.
Yep! I had a quick look and I think - without knowing who exactly will have a SR contract for 2021 - only Alamanda Motuga * (Counties Manukau), Jordan Lay * (Bay of Plenty), Leni Apisai (Auckland), Nasi Manu * (Otago), Samipeni Finau (Waikato), Asaeli Tikoroituma * (North Harbour), Dwyane Polataivao * ( Ta$man), Jone Macilai (Northland) and Tomasi Alosio **(Wellington) would be available for the Moana Pasifika SR side if it would play in 2021. That list may be different in 2022, though.
