Thu 11 Mar 2010
Announcement on the shape of the much-awaited New Zealand Maori programme this season is imminent, but the prospect of three bumper matches against Wales, Ireland and England looks good.
The famed national side celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and anticipation is high after there were no fixtures scheduled last season due to cost-cutting measures at the New Zealand Rugby Union.
The Maori’s last outing in 2008 saw them claim the Pacific Nations Cup. The Junior All Blacks have been cut from the programme this season, so effectively the Maori is now the second tier national team.
NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen says Wales and Ireland will already be here in June to play the All Blacks, while England could be coming from Australia. The Wales and Ireland tests are likely to be midweekers, but the key is that the NZ Maori squad would likely be as strong as possible after All Blacks selection.
“It may be that we would prefer a player to start for the Maori rather than sit on the bench for the All Blacks. That’s happened before, in ’05 with the Lions, and gives the All Blacks selectors the chance to see another national team out there at the same time.
“We’re really hopeful of putting together a fantastic (internal) tour for them,” says Sorensen, who adds that there will be plenty happening off the field, in conjunction with the NZ Maori Rugby Board, with regard to honouring the past and some of the great Maori players.
* Meanwhile, the chances of Queensland Reds centre Morgan Turinui playing for the Maori are zero. Though the 28-year-old qualifies on his bloodlines through Tainui, he would need to be playing professional rugby in New Zealand to be considered. Turinui, who has 20 Wallaby caps, spoke to Rugby Enews of his desire to turn out of the Maori, though he already knew the chances were slim.
“It would just be a great honour. You look at the proud history of the team. I’ve played against them before. I get a taste of it whenever I come to Hamilton. There were 20-odd family here tonight in the grandstand,” he said after the upset win over the Chiefs.
“To represent a people is as significant as representing your country. I was lucky enough to be born in Australia, my Dad moved over here, and Mum’s Australian. I’m proud to be Australian, but cognisant of my heritage.”
Several others, like Quade Cooper, would potentially be in the same boat as Turinui.