Hurricanes full-back Josh Moorby makes his Māori All Blacks debut

Hurricanes full-back Josh Moorby will make his debut for the Māori All Blacks at his home Super Rugby stadium.

Moorby, who was a revelation in his first season with the Hurricanes this year, will wear the number 15 shirt against Ireland at Wellington’s Sky Stadium on Tuesday (19:05 CET).

He attended Hamilton Boys’ High School before making his mark at the NPC level with the Southland Stags. Moorby spent part of the 2021 season with the Highlanders before joining the Hurricanes on a full-time basis in 2022.

After impressing that season, he signed a two-year contract extension to stay with the Hurricanes through 2024.

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Head coach Clayton McMillan made minimal changes to the squad after an impressive 32-17 win at Hamilton on June 29.

There will be strong Hurricanes representation, with nine members of the roster playing for the team.

Max Hicks and Caleb Delany were able to earn their first Māori All Blacks caps from the bank.

After being in the reserve for the first game, unwanted All Black TJ Perenara gets the nod as a halfback over fellow co-captain Brad Weber with Chiefs pivot Josh Ioane in the front five.

McMillan has a redesigned midfield with Bailyn Sullivan, who was in reserve in the first game, alongside Alex Nankivell.

Reed Prinsep starts on the blindside flanker in place of Cameron Suafoa, while Maanaki Selby-Rickit replaces Highlanders teammate Josh Dickson on the lock.

“The first game was really special with nine debutants against Ireland and this week the remaining three debutants get an equal opportunity to represent not only the team but also their whānau and their iwi,” said McMillan.

“The last time the Māori All Blacks took the field at Sky Stadium it was amid the Covid-19 outbreak and no crowds were allowed at the game.”

McMillan said the team was excited to take the field and showcase Māori rugby ahead of their whānau in Wellington.

Māori All Blacks Team: Josh Moorby, Shaun Stevenson, Bailyn Sullivan, Alex Nankivell, Connor Garden-Bachop, Josh Ioane, TJ Perenara (cc), Cullen Grace, Billy Harmon, Reed Prinsep, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Maanaki Selby-Rickit, Tyrel Lomax, Kurt Eklund , Olli Norris.

Reserves: Leni Apisai, Tamaiti Williams, Marcel Renata, Max Hicks, Caleb Delany, Brad Weber (cc), Ruben Love, Billy Proctor.