Isaia Walker-Leawere has been named in the Maori All Blacks squad to face the Moana Pasifika side next Saturday in Hamilton. Leawere is the son of former Flying Fijians captain Kele Leawere.
He played his first match for the Maori All Blacks last year in a warm-up match against the Flying Fijians in their build-up to the Rugby World Cup in Japan. Coach Clayton McMillan has also included eight new caps in the 24 member team that includes Billy Proctor, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Poihipi, Kaleb Trask, Taimati Williams, Ethan Roots, Kurt Eklund and Manaaki Selby-Rickit. Highlanders hooker Ash Dixon will captain the side and will be backed up by some experienced players such as Liam Messam, Otere Black, Bryn Hall, Sean Wainui, and Fletcher Smith.
Moana Pasifika will have the services of four players with links to Fiji.
That includes former Flying Fijian Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Chiefs star Pita Gus Sowakula, former Crusaders winger Jone Macilai and All Blacks 7s star Salesi Rayasi.
Moana Pasifika is a New Zealand Rugby club that represents a great mix of players who identify with the great nations of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
There was a huge backing for the side to be included in the Super Rugby Aotearoa for next year but New Zealand Rugby decided that it would be better if they were given more time to get ready for 2022.
The Maori All Blacks meet Moana Pasifika at 6.05pm next Saturday in Hamilton.
[Source: All Blacks]
