Head coach Clayton McMillan yesterday named a squad of 28 for the games in Hamilton on June 29 and Wellington on July 12.
Two of the Highlanders — former Wallabies prop Jermaine Ainsley and fullback Connor Garden-Bachop — will be making their Maori debut.
They are joined by locks Josh Dickson and Manaaki Selby-Rickit and flanker Billy Harmon.
There is technically a sixth Highlander, hooker Leni Apisai, who played one game as an injury replacement.
Otago and former Highlanders first five Josh Ioane is the likely starter in the No10 jersey.
The Maori squad is particularly strong at halfback, where unwanted All Blacks TJ Perenara and Brad Weber will compete for a starting role, and prop, where Ainsley is joined by the likes of recent All Black Tyrel Lomax and rising star Ollie Norris.
It will be the first time the Maori All Blacks have played Ireland since 2010, when the Maori won 31-28 in Rotorua.
"We are expecting a fierce challenge from Ireland," McMillan said.
"This is also a great opportunity for our 11 new caps. There is immense pride in pulling on the Maori All Blacks jersey and with that representing their heritage, their whanau, and their country."
A bonus is the chance to play two former Maori All Blacks in the Irish squad, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe.
McMillan and co-coaches Roger Randle and Chris Gibbes have not yet named a captain.
Former Highlanders hooker Ash Dixon led the Maori last year when they played Samoa twice.
Maori All Blacks
The squad
Forwards: Tamaiti Williams (Ngapuhi, Crusaders), Ollie Norris (Ngapuhi, Chiefs), Marcel Renata (Ngati Whanaunga/Ngai Takoto, Blues), Jermaine Ainsley (Te Rarawa/Te Arawa, Highlanders), Tyrel Lomax (Muaupoko/Ngai Tuhoe, Hurricanes), Leni Apisai (Ngati Awa, Auckland), Kurt Eklund (Ngati Kahu, Blues), Tyrone Thompson (Ngai Tamanuhiri/Ngati Rangiwewehi, Chiefs), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngati Porou, Hurricanes), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Ngati Raukawa/Ngati Tuwharetoa, Highlanders), Josh Dickson (Ngai Tahu, Highlanders), Reed Prinsep (Te Rarawa, Hurricanes), Caleb Delany (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Hurricanes), Billy Harmon (Ngai Tahu, Highlanders), TK Howden (Ngai Tuhoe, Hurricanes), Cameron Suafoa (Ngapuhi, Blues).
Backs: TJ Perenara (Ngati Rangitihi, Hurricanes), Brad Weber (Ngati Porou, Chiefs), Josh Ioane (Te Rarawa, Chiefs), Ruben Love (Te Atiawa, Hurricanes), Alex Nankivell (Ngati Pikiao, Chiefs), Rameka Poihipi (Ngati Whakaue, Chiefs), Billy Proctor (Ngai Te Rangi/Ngapuhi, Hurricanes), Bailyn Sullivan (Ngati Kahungunu, Hurricanes), Connor Garden-Bachop (Ngati Awa, Highlanders), Josh Moorby (Ngati Maniapoto, Hurricanes), Zarn Sullivan (Ngati Kahungunu, Blues), Shaun Stevenson (Ngapuhi, Chiefs).
