Lowe, Howden to start for Māori All Blacks

Otago Daily Times

3 days ago

Jonah Lowe warms up at training with the Maori All Blacks in Auckland on Tuesday.
Two Highlanders are among the starting line-up, as a new crop of Māori All Blacks prepare to make their debuts this weekend against Japan.
As well as the new faces, a new skipper will take the helm in the form of hooker Kurt Eklund.
Highlanders loose forward TK Howden starts in the No6 jersey, while Jonah Lowe is set to start on the wing.
Head Coach Ross Filipo said he's been thoroughly impressed with the players returning after their respective Super Rugby campaigns.
"It's a tight turnaround for us with plenty of our players in the final on Saturday night and then coming straight into this environment. Selections were tough, and our coaching group spent quite some time together to make sure we had the right mix to take the field in Tokyo. We are determined to right a wrong from our last game in Aichi in 2024."
Eklund anchors the scrum with debutant Jacob Devery as impact, alongside props 31-year-old Jared Proffit and Kershawl Sykes-Martin in his debut.
Isaia Walker-Leawere and Laghlan McWhannell make up the locking duo, while Jahrome Brown and TK Howden have been named in the loose forwards. Cullen Grace completes an experienced forward pack at number eight.
Three-time Māori All Black Sam Nock comes in as halfback and after a stellar Super Rugby Pacific season, Rivez Reihana has been named as first-five.
Bailyn Sullivan and Gideon Wrampling will bring their strong ball carrying skills in the midfield, Jonah Lowe and Cole Forbes will start as wingers, with Zarn Sullivan rounding out the backs.
Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Benet Kumeroa, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Kaleb Trask and Xavi Taele have been named as reinforcements.
Māori All Blacks v Japan XV
Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, 9.05pm Saturday, 28 June
Zarn Sullivan, Cole Forbes, Bailyn Sullivan, Gideon Wrampling, Jonah Lowe, Rivez Reihana, Sam Nock, Cullen Grace, Jahrome Brown, TK Howden, Laghlan McWhannell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Kerswhal Sykes-Martin, Kurt Ekund, Jared Proffit. Reserves: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakee-Stones, Benet Kumeroa, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Kaleb Task, Xavi Taele.