OFFICIAL Māori vs British & Irish Lions MATCH THREAD

Grizz Wyllie · Post by **Grizz Wyllie** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:31 am

WHEN:
Saturday 17th June

WHERE:
Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand

KICKOFF:
Local time – 7.35pm
UK time – 8.35am
AEST - 5:35pm
SA time - 9:35am

VENUE:
Rotorua International Stadium

TEAMS:

Head Coach: Colin Cooper
Captain: Ash Dixon

Forwards

Props
Chris Eves - North Harbour - Waikato/Tainui (7 appearances)
Kane Hames - Tasman - Ngai Tuhoe/Ngati Porou (5)
Mike Kainga - Taranaki - Ngati Kahungunu (2)
Ben May - Hawke’s Bay - Ngati Maniapoto (12)
Marcel Renata - Auckland - Ngati Whanaunga / Te Aupouri (4)

Hookers
Ash Dixon (captain) - Hawke’s Bay - Ngati Tahinga (8)
Hikawera Elliot - Counties Manukau - Ngati Awa (9)

Locks
Tom Franklin - Otago - Ngati Maniapoto (4)
Leighton Price - Taranaki - Waikato/Ngati Maniapoto (3)
Joe Wheeler - Tasman - Ngai Tahu (2)

Loose forwards
Elliot Dixon - Southland - Ngapuhi (9)
Akira Ioane - Auckland - Ngapuhi/Te Whanau a Apanui (5)
Liam Messam - Waikato - Ngati Maniapoto (12)
Reed Prinsep - Canterbury - Te Rarawa (2)
Kara Pryor – Northland - Ngati Awa/Ngati Pikiao/Ngati Rangitihi (2)

Backs

Halfbacks
Bryn Hall* - North Harbour - Ngati Ranginui
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi* - Taranaki - Ngati Pikiao

First five-eighths
Otere Black - Manawatu - Ngai Tuhoe/Te Whanau a Apanui/Ngati Tuwharetoa (4)
Ihaia West - Hawke’s Bay - Ngati Kahungunu/Ngati Porou (7)

Midfielders
Tim Bateman - Canterbury - Ngai Tahu (12)
Charlie Ngatai - Taranaki - Ngati Porou/Te Whanau a Apanui/Te Whakatohea (9)
Matt Proctor - Wellington - Ngai Te Rangi/Ngapuhi (9)
Rob Thompson* - Canterbury - Ngati Kahungunu

Outside backs
James Lowe - Tasman - Ngapuhi/Ngai Te Rangi (5)
Damian McKenzie - Waikato - Ngati Tuwharetoa/Ngati Tahinga (3)
Nehe Milner-Skudder - Manawatu - Ngati Porou/Tapuika (2)
Declan O’Donnell - Taranaki - Ngati Tuwharetoa/Ngati Porou (1)

Head Coach: Warren Gatland
Captain: Sam Warburton

1. Mako Vunipola - Saracens, England
2. Jamie George - Saracens, England
3. Tadhg Furlong - Leinster, Ireland
4. Maro Itoje - Saracens, England
5. George Kruis - Saracens, England
6. Peter O'Mahony (capt) - Munster, Ireland
7. Sean O'Brien - Leinster, Ireland
8. Taulupe Faletau - Bath Rugby, Wales

9. Conor Murray - Munster, Ireland,
10. Johnny Sexton - Leinster, Ireland,
11. George North - Northampton Saints, England
12. Ben Te'o - Worcester Warriors, England
13. Jonathan Davies - Scarlets, Wales
14. Anthony Watson - Bath Rugby, England
15. Leigh Halfpenny - Toulon, Wales

16. Ken Owens - Scarlets, Wales
17. Jack McGrath - Leinster, Ireland
18. Kyle Sinckler - Harlequins, England
19. Iain Henderson - Ulster, Ireland
20. Sam Warburton - Cardiff Blues, Wales
21. Greig Laidlaw - Gloucester Rugby, Scotland
22. Owen Farrell - Saracens, England
23. Elliot Daly - Wasps, England

REFEREES:
Jaco Peyper, South Africa

Floppykid · Post by **Floppykid** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:32 am

First Haka of the tour that isn't tedious, maybe.

Grizz Wyllie · Post by **Grizz Wyllie** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:34 am

A month ago I'd have said theis would be the second easiest match of the tour but the Maori have managed to assemble a decent squad, with Hansen realising a few AB squad members. They'll put out an exceptional backline. And the Highlanders showed you don't need a pack of big names to have enough mongrel to compete with the Lions.

Still think the shadow test Lions will have too much firepower but if the game gets fast and loose then watch out for Mackenzie and Co.

HurricaneWasp · Post by **HurricaneWasp** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:39 am

Grizz Wyllie wrote:A month ago I'd have said theis would be the second easiest match of the tour but the Maori have managed to assemble a decent squad, with Hansen realising a few AB squad members. They'll put out an exceptional backline. And the Highlanders showed you don't need a pack of big names to have enough mongrel to compete with the Lions.

Still think the shadow test Lions will have too much firepower but if the game gets fast and loose then watch out for Mackenzie and Co.

NMS and McKenzie are going to wreak havoc if they get the ball. Electric.

Comrade · Post by **Comrade** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:21 am

backline could be

Hall
Black

Lowe
Bateman
Ngatai
Milner-Skudder
DMac

MungoMan · Post by **MungoMan** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:27 am

Comrade wrote:backline could be

Hall
Black

Lowe
Bateman
Ngatai
Milner-Skudder
DMac

By the gollygosh, I'd love to be there for this game!

UncleFB · Post by **UncleFB** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:28 am

Comrade wrote:backline could be

Hall
Black

Lowe
Bateman
Ngatai
Milner-Skudder
DMac

A pity they didn't release Laumape for this match. Even so I think Thompson is a better form pick than Bateman, and Proctor would have been if not injured. In saying that I'm still a fan of Bateman who has served the Maori well in the past.

Also, a pity they don't release one of the 3 Maori 9s in the ABs too. Edit: Looks like TKB has been released for this.

You'd think Rieko would be starting though since he's been released from the ABs.

For the fatties:
Hames,
Dixon although I'd start Hika but Dixon is captain.
Eves
Wheeler
Franklin
Messam
Pryor
Dixon with Ioane the impact sub.

Couch · Post by **Couch** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:28 am

Comrade wrote:backline could be

Hall
Black

Lowe
Bateman
Ngatai
Milner-Skudder
DMac

All Black Possibles side

Andalu · Post by **Andalu** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:29 am

I thought Laumape was Tongan?

Adrianmole · Post by **Adrianmole** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:31 am

The Maori back line looks more threatening than he collection that the AB's have got. Forwards not so inspiring but if they get 40% of the ball and then run and back up it could get interesting, albeit against a likely test squad.

But FFS kick your penalities rather than grandstanding for the crowd with kicks to the corner ALL the time.

Mullet 2 · Post by **Mullet 2** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:31 am

Leave us alone!!

The Native · Post by **The Native** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:32 am

Lions huge favorites against this relatively strong Maori team that suffer from the scratch team issues the Lions face.

True Blue · Post by **True Blue** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:33 am

So Rieko Ioane is playing in this game?

Very strong looking backline.

UncleFB · Post by **UncleFB** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:34 am

Andalu wrote:I thought Laumape was Tongan?

He can be Maori and Tongan - it's not zero sum.

Wilderbeast · Post by **Wilderbeast** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:36 am

Second easiest game for Lions after baa baas? Or would that have been the landers? Assuming this will likely be close to first xv

True Blue · Post by **True Blue** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:38 am

Wilderbeast wrote:Second easiest game for Lions after baa baas? Or would that have been the landers? Assuming this will likely be close to first xv

The tight five looks weak so the Lions should dominate easily there. However they need to because the backrow and backline of the Maori looks quite strong.

Wilderbeast · Post by **Wilderbeast** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:40 am

True Blue wrote:
Wilderbeast wrote:Second easiest game for Lions after baa baas? Or would that have been the landers? Assuming this will likely be close to first xv

The tight five looks weak so the Lions should dominate easily there. However they need to because the backrow and backline of the Maori looks quite strong.

Maori don't have combinations but sometimes with these teams that doesn't seem to matter. Lions should be too strong though.

I've said that a few times before...

Mullet 2 · Post by **Mullet 2** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:41 am

The Native wrote:Lions huge favorites against this relatively strong Maori team that suffer from the scratch team issues the Lions face.

Piss off.

Sure we can barely win a game.

Hawk97 · Post by **Hawk97** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:42 am

Messam

de_Selby · Post by **de_Selby** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:43 am

Comrade wrote:backline could be

Hall
Black

Lowe
Bateman
Ngatai
Milner-Skudder
DMac

That back 3 is terrifying from a Lions POV.

Wilderbeast · Post by **Wilderbeast** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:45 am

Ngatai at 12 and proctor at 13?

Grizz Wyllie · Post by **Grizz Wyllie** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:48 am

Ngatai 12, Frieko 13, then Lowe, NMS and Dmac

The Native · Post by **The Native** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:48 am

Mullet 2 wrote:
The Native wrote:Lions huge favorites against this relatively strong Maori team that suffer from the scratch team issues the Lions face.

Piss off.

Sure we can barely win a game.

You'll play your top team. The Maori All Blacks don't do structure. They'll get done.

Salient · Post by **Salient** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:49 am

Floppykid wrote:First Haka of the tour that isn't tedious, maybe.

As opposed to your posts, that have been tedious before the tour, during the tour, and without doubt will be after the tour.

Salient · Post by **Salient** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:50 am

Mullet 2 wrote:Leave us alone!!

Wilderbeast · Post by **Wilderbeast** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:50 am

Grizz Wyllie wrote:Ngatai 12, Frieko 13, then Lowe, NMS and Dmac

Reiko is in? Am I blind or is he missing from opening post?

Murdoch · Post by **Murdoch** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:52 am

Wilderbeast wrote:
Grizz Wyllie wrote:Ngatai 12, Frieko 13, then Lowe, NMS and Dmac
Reiko is in? Am I blind or is he missing from opening post?

Shit OP.

TKB and Ioane are in.

Davedj77 · Post by **Davedj77** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:54 am

This is the only game I'm going to so hope it is a cracker. Just hope the Maori forwards can hold their own, if they can it is game on! Showers forecast, the pitch is one of the best in the country so conditions might not be perfect but should hopefully be pretty good.

Wilderbeast · Post by **Wilderbeast** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:54 am

Murdoch wrote:
Wilderbeast wrote:
Grizz Wyllie wrote:Ngatai 12, Frieko 13, then Lowe, NMS and Dmac
Reiko is in? Am I blind or is he missing from opening post?
Shit OP.

TKB and Ioane are in.

Shit just got real.

sewa · Post by **sewa** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:55 am

Wilderbeast wrote:Second easiest game for Lions after baa baas? Or would that have been the landers? Assuming this will likely be close to first xv

Should be handy enough for Lions, Munster beat them 27-14 last November. It will be the test side too for Lions

Comrade · Post by **Comrade** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:55 am

if the tight five have parity then the Maori should win

Wilderbeast · Post by **Wilderbeast** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:57 am

Comrade wrote:if the tight five have parity then the Maori should win

you think that's likely?

feckwanker · Post by **feckwanker** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:04 pm

This game is purpose made for Darren Sweetnam

Murdoch · Post by **Murdoch** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:07 pm

sewa wrote:
Wilderbeast wrote:Second easiest game for Lions after baa baas? Or would that have been the landers? Assuming this will likely be close to first xv
Should be handy enough for Lions, Munster beat them 27-14 last November. It will be the test side too for Lions

Should be a much stronger Maori team than that one. Playing at home.

True Blue · Post by **True Blue** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:12 pm

Wilderbeast wrote:
Comrade wrote:if the tight five have parity then the Maori should win
you think that's likely?

No, and that's the problem for the Maori

Wilderbeast · Post by **Wilderbeast** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:15 pm

True Blue wrote:
Wilderbeast wrote:
Comrade wrote:if the tight five have parity then the Maori should win
you think that's likely?
No, and that's the problem for the Maori

Could be similar to the Blues match then. Lose the battle up front but some magic in the backs could win it.

brat · Post by **brat** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:20 pm

Grizz Wyllie wrote:Ngatai 12, Frieko 13, then Lowe, NMS and Dmac

If Nms fires that's potentially our most lethal back 3

Lowe and Mackenzie would make any other international side. . And then there's Nms

Just need enough ball..this lions side will be much better on Saturday

True Blue · Post by **True Blue** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:42 pm

Wilderbeast wrote:
True Blue wrote:
Wilderbeast wrote:
Comrade wrote:if the tight five have parity then the Maori should win
you think that's likely?
No, and that's the problem for the Maori
Could be similar to the Blues match then. Lose the battle up front but some magic in the backs could win it.

True, but I think the Blues tight five is better than the Maori tight 5 and they have also been playing together all season. Maori is a scratch team.

Chilli · Post by **Chilli** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:46 pm

What is the significance of the SF on the jersey in the OP?

JM2K6 · Post by **JM2K6** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:47 pm

Chilli wrote:What is the significance of the SF on the jersey in the OP?

AF - Anthony Foley. Was a mark of respect after Foley died.