Eight debutants have been included in the line-up to face Japan on Saturday. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport Ltd 2025
Māori All Blacks v Japan XV
Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium
9.05pm Saturday, 28 June
Live blog updates on RNZ
When several new caps pull on the Māori All Blacks jersey for the first time this Saturday, they will carry their whakapapa onto the pitch with them.
A jersey that can only be earned through blood, the Māori All Blacks represent something no other side in world rugby can.
Coach Ross Filipo said the meaning of the jersey is often mistaken and the team is instead thought of as an All Blacks development side.
"We quite often get asked the question, 'Are you hopeful to become an All Black by way of the Māori All Blacks?'," he said. "This team's extremely unique in the sense that you have to have Māori blood in order to represent this team."
He said the side holds a special place on the world stage.
"It is the only team in the world where you have to possess the DNA in order to wear the jersey, which makes it separate it from every other team in the world."
Filipo said his players drew power from their tipuna (ancestry).
"When these players get to put on the jersey, they don't just put on a jersey and represent a country," he said. "They represent their whole bloodline, their whakapapa, their family.
"You can only put that jersey on if you have that blood, so it becomes a very personal piece to be able to wear a Māori All Blacks jersey.
"You can go and live in any country for a certain amount of time, and the IRB will allow you to play for that country. You cannot do that with that with this jersey."
The Māori All Blacks will kick off their season against Japan on Saturday night in Tokyo.
Hooker Kurt Eklund will lead the side, alongside eight debutants in Jared Proffit, Kerswhal Sykes-Martin, Jahrome Brown, Gideon Wrampling, Jacob Devery, Zach Gallagher, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara and Xavi Taele.
"We've got a great mix of players," Filipo said. "Some have played All Blacks before, others have been playing at the top end of Super Rugby and others get to debut for the first time, so we're extremely excited around this team, and the balance of youth and experience."
He said they were bracing for a serious challenge from the 'Brave Blossoms'.
"Two very different styles of rugby. I think it's really important that we have to respect the Japanese and the style of rugby that they've been playing for the last few years.
"There's been a huge growth within their national game."
Māori All Blacks
1. Jared Proffit*, Ngāti Porou
2. Kurt Eklund, Ngāti Kahu (C)
3. Kerswhal Sykes-Martin*, Ngāti Porou
4. Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ngāti Porou
5. Laghlan McWhannell, Ngāti Kahungunu
6. Te Kamaka Howden, Tūhoe
7. Jahrome Brown*, Ngāti Porou
8. Cullen Grace, Ngāti Whakaue
9. Sam Nock, Ngāpuhi
10. Rivez Reihana, Ngāphui, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine
11. Jonah Lowe, Ngāti Pikiao
12. Gideon Wrampling*, Ngāpuhi
13. Bailyn Sullivan, Ngāti Kahungunu
14. Cole Forbes, Ngāti Awa
15. Zarn Sullivan, Ngāti Kahungunu
Bench
16. Jacob Devery*, Te Aitanga a Mahaki
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, Ngāpuhi
18. Benet Kumeroa, Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi
19. Zach Gallagher*, Te Ātiawa
20. Caleb Delany, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
21. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara*, Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou
22. Kaleb Trask, Ngāpuhi
23. Xavi Taele*, Ngāi Tahu
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
