Leawere to start for Maori All Blacks

The Fijian influence will be part of the Māori All Blacks and Ireland match on Wednesday at FMG Stadium in Waikato.

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This is after the Maori named their side for the match with Isaia Walker-Leawere starting in the number five jersey.

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The 25 year old made his debut in 2018 against the USA and scored two tries in that game.

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Isaia Walker who is the son of former Flying Fijians skipper Kele Leawere was also part of the squad that played the Flying Fijians in a two Test series in 2019.

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Other notable inclusions in the match-day squad are former All Blacks halfbacks Brad Weber and TJ Perenara who have been named as co-captains.

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Weber who will start ahead of Perenara, is one of ten players set to make their Maori All Blacks debuts.

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The Maori All Blacks hosts Ireland at 7:05pm on Wednesday.

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Meanwhile, Ireland’s first Test against the All Blacks kicks off at 7:05pm on Saturday.

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