Broughton named in Māori ABs

Nikora Broughton of the Highlanders charges forward against the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium...
Nikora Broughton of the Highlanders charges forward against the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in May. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Highlanders loose forward Nikora Broughton is one of 10 new caps in the Māori All Blacks.

He joins incumbent team-mates Billy Harmon and Max Hicks in a 28-strong squad named to play two games against a Japan XV in Japan over the next two weekends.

Broughton (Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruanui) had a promising second season with the Highlanders.

He appeared in all 15 games, earning five starts at No 8 and one on the openside flank.

Harmon (Ngāi Tahu) would appear to be the obvious contender to captain the Māori All Blacks.

The tour to Japan might also be a chance to get more familiar with his new surroundings, as the outstanding loose forward has played his last game for the Highlanders and is expected to join a Japanese club.

Hicks (Ngāti Ranginui) has played well when given a chance by the Highlanders, but will face stiff competition in the Māori second row from in-form Hurricanes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere and two first-time Māori selections, Blues man Laghlan McWhannell and rising star Tahlor Cahill.

A heart-warming story is the selection of Blues loose forward Cameron Suafoa, who returned to action after being treated for cancer.

Crusaders stalwart Joe Moody will wear the Māori jersey for the first time since 2015.

The other debutants are Hurricanes prop Benet Kumeroa, Crusaders first fives Rivez Reihana and Taha Kemara, Blues backs Corey Evans and Cole Forbes, Chiefs midfielder Daniel Rona and Chiefs fullback Tana Tuhakaraina.

Former Highlanders coach turned head of rugby Jamie Joseph joins fellow assistants Roger Randle and Greg Feek under head coach Ross Filipo.

Assembling a Māori All Blacks squad was always exciting, Filipo said.

"The Super Rugby Pacific campaign provided us with a solid platform to select from as the competitiveness shown by the players is exactly what we need against the Japan XV.

‘‘Our new players have been rewarded for their consistency, and it’s great to see the return of many others to this environment.

‘‘Playing for this team is a huge honour and this is an opportunity for us all to represent our whānau, heritage and country on the world stage."

The Māori All Blacks have assembled in Auckland and will head to Japan today.

They play the Japan XV at Tokyo’s historic Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on Saturday, and at Toyota Stadium a week later.

Māori All Blacks

The squad

Props: Benet Kumeroa (Hurricanes), Joe Moody (Crusaders), Marcel Renata (Blues), Ollie Norris (Chiefs), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hurricanes).

Hookers: Kurt Eklund (Blues), Tyrone Thompson (Chiefs).

Locks: Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes), Laghlan McWhannell (Blues), Max Hicks (Highlanders), Tahlor Cahill (Crusaders).

Loose forwards: Billy Harmon (Highlanders), Cameron Suafoa (Blues), Cullen Grace (Crusaders), Nikora Broughton (Highlanders), Te Kamaka Howden (Hurricanes).

Halfbacks: Sam Nock (Blues), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Chiefs).

First fives: Rivez Reihana (Crusaders), Taha Kemara (Crusaders).

Midfielders: Bailyn Sullivan (Hurricanes), Corey Evans (Blues), Daniel Rona (Chiefs), Rameka Poihipi (Chiefs), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs).

Outside backs: Cole Forbes (Blues), Josh Moorby (Hurricanes), Tana Tuhakaraina (Chiefs).

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