The duo have been named in the reserves for the Maori All Black team in its match against a French Barbarians outfit in Bordeaux tomorrow morning [NZ time].
Halfback Ruru replaces Te Toira Tahurirorangi while Brad Weber will start in the No9 jersey.
Walden comes into the team after an injury to winger Ambrose Curtis, who left the field in the first half of the side’s 51-9 victory over Canada last Saturday. He is replaced by Shaun Stevenson with Walden coming into the reserves.
Maori coach Clayton McMillan said Ruru and his abrasive game would be needed against France.He expected the French team to be tough in the forwards so he wanted Ruru in the reserves to help fight fire with fire.
Walden is included on the bench because of his versatility.
The side will again be captained by Highlanders hooker Ash Dixon.Other Highlanders in the team include midfielder Rob Thompson and forwards Tom Franklin and Jackson Hemopo.Openside flanker Dan Pryor and Tyrel Lomax have been named in the forward reserves.
NZ Maori v French Barbarians
Tomorrow, 8.45am
NZ Maori: Charlie Ngatai, Sean Wainui, Tim Bateman, Rob Thompson, Shaun Stevenson, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Brad Weber, Akira Ioane, Sam Henwood, Tom Franklin, Keepa Mewett, Jackson Hemopo, Marcel Renata, Ash Dixon (captain), Chris Eves. Reserves: Liam Polwart, Ross Wright, Tyrel Lomax, Jordan Manihera, Dan Pryor, Jono Ruru, Ihaia West, Tei Walden.
