The Maori All Blacks are set for Chicago as Maori Board Chair Dr. Farah Palmer announced the squad in Auckland today.

Watch The Maori All Blacks Take On The USA LIVE on FloRugby Nov 3

“The Maori All Blacks is special team that has a unique appeal for fans from New Zealand and all over the world. We know the Maori All Blacks represent the jersey and their people with great pride when they travel overseas. They continue to be an important part of showcasing Maori and Maori rugby on the world stage.”

Make no mistake, they will be good, just as they were two years ago in Chicago.

Maori All Blacks head coach Clayton McMillan said selections for the 27-strong squad had been complex but exciting with some players already named for All Blacks duty in Japan.

The Maori All Blacks will travel with 28 players to Chicago, including Canterbury’s Caleb Makene who will return to New Zealand after the USA match.

McMillan said the departure of some experienced players offshore, and dual duties with the All Blacks, created an opportunity for several new faces.

“We’re looking at almost 10 debutants which you would expect after some players have moved on,” he said.

“Some of these debutants have had incredibly strong seasons with their provinces in Mitre 10 Cup, and their Super Rugby clubs, so we are excited to see what they will bring on this tour.”

Front Row

Chris    Eves (Waikato / Tainui    North) - Harbour
Tyrel Lomax (Ngai Tuhoe / Muaupoko) - Tasman
Ben    May (Ngati Maniapoto / Waikato) - Hawke’s Bay
Marcel    Renata (Ngati Whanaunga / Ngai Takoto) - Auckland
Ross    Wright (Ngati Whatua / Ngati Porou) - Northland

Hookers
Robbie    Abel * (Ngati Wai, Waikato-Tainui, Ngati Hine) - Auckland
Ash    Dixon (C) (Ngati Tahinga) - Hawke’s Bay

Locks
Jackson    Hemopo (Tuhourangi / Ngati Wahiao / Ngai Tahu / Ngati Rangi / Ngati Apa ki te Ra To) - Manawatu
Pari Pari    Parkinson * (Te Whanau a Apanui) - Tasman
Isaia    Walker-Leawere * (Ngati Porou) - Wellington

Loose Forwards
Billy    Harmon * (Ngai Tahu) - Canterbury
Akira    Ioane (Ngapuhi / Te Whanau a Apanui) - Auckland
Mitchell    Karpik * (Rongomaiwahine / Ngati Kahungunu) - Bay of Plenty
Hoani    Matenga * (Rangitane / Te Whanau a Apanui) - Bay of Plenty
Reed    Prinsep (Te Rarawa) - Canterbury

BACKS

Halfbacks
Bryn    Hall (Ngati Ranginui) North Harbour
Jonathan    Ruru (Ngati Kahungunu / Rongomaiwahine) - Auckland
Brad    Weber (Ngati Porou) - Hawke’s Bay

First five-eighths
Otere    Black (Ngai Tuhoe / Te Whanau a Apanui / Ngati Tuwharetoa) - Manawatu
Joshua    Ioane* (Te Rarawa) - Otago

Midfield backs
Matthew    Lansdown* (Te Atiawa) - Waikato
Matt    Proctor (Ngai Te Rangi / Ngapuhi) - Wellington
Rob    Thompson (Ngati Kahungunu / Nga Rauru) - Manawatu
Teihorangi    Walden (Te Atiawa) - Taranaki

Outside backs
Jonah Lowe* (Ngati Pikiao) - Hawke’s Bay
Nehe    Milner-Skudder (Ngati Porou / Tapuika) - Manawatu
Shaun    Stevenson (Ngapuhi) - North Harbour

Traveling as a replacement for the USA leg only, is Canterbury wing Caleb Makene, of Ngapuhi descent.

The Maori All Blacks will play the USA Eagles in Chicago, as part of a triple Test bonanza also featuring the World Champion Black Ferns against USA Eagles and Italy v Ireland - all  LIVE on FloRugby Nov 3.