MĀORI ALL BLACKS 2015 MEDIA GUIDE CONTENTS MĀORI ALL BLACKS 2015 TOUR

Welcome from Rugby �������������������������������������������������� 2 Sponsors and Partners ������������������������������������������������������������������ 3 About the Māori All Blacks ������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Media Information ...... 6 Itinerary...... 8 Match Officials...... 12 Maori All Blacks 2015 Squad ����������������������������������������������������������13 Player Profiles...... 15 Māori All Blacks Coaches and Management ���������������������������������������29 Māori All Blacks Records ���������������������������������������������������������������31 Recent Results...... 33 Māori All Blacks Charities: Cure Kids and UNICEF 34 Māori All Blacks Haka ...... 36 Rugby in New Zealand ...... 39 New Zealand’s Teams ...... 41 New Zealand’s National Anthem ����������������������������������������������������43 MESSAGE FROM It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Māori All Blacks 2015 squad to take on in and the in in July. The Māori All Blacks have undertaken many tours offshore and against international sides and the team has one of the most impressive records in rugby with wins against all the major Test nations, with the exception of South Africa and the All Blacks. Last year, the Māori All Blacks played in a very successful two match tour to that country. This year we are very pleased to be returning to Fiji where we have enjoyed a wonderful rivalry over 77 years. This match will be a great celebration of the rich rugby history we share as well as underlining the strong ties between Pacific rugby and New Zealand rugby. Our history goes back to 1938 when the two sides first met on Fijian soil here in Suva. We have played each other 28 times, more than any other Pacific nation. We are also very much looking forward to the match against the New Zealand Barbarians at , Auckland on 18 July. The Māori All Blacks are a key part of New Zealand Rugby’s high performance programme, so for those players there is always much on the line when they pull on the black jersey. And with a proud history of success to uphold I am sure both matches will provide another memorable chapter in the MĀORI All Blacks story. On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I would like to thank you in the media for your continued support for our teams and for rugby in New Zealand and around the world. We also thank you all for sharing the wonderful stories and traditions of this great game with rugby supporters wherever they may be. I hope you all enjoy the rugby. David Rhodes New Zealand Rugby President MĀORI ALL BLACKS SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Principal Partner of New Zealand Rugby Major Global Sponsor

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Charity Partner International Partner for Children

Page 3 ABOUT THE TEAM THE MĀORI ALL BLACKS

The Māori All Blacks are one of the national rugby teams from New Zealand, the most famous of which are the World Champion All Blacks. Over 100 years of history Though the Māori All Blacks’ history begins in 1910, Māori rugby already had deep roots. Māori players organised and launched themselves on an astounding odyssey of more than 100 matches. It was Joe Warbrick, of Ngāti Rangitihi who in 1888 assembled and led the Natives, as that team came to be known. It was the Natives who first introduced a pre-match haka and adopted specialised positions for forwards rather than the first to arrive, first down practice. In 1910, Wiremu Teihōka (“Ned”) Parata established the first Māori All Blacks – the NZRFU’s role was to approve Parata’s plans and to ensure that they were in keeping with the amateur regulations but Parata was responsible for everything else, including finances. In 1922 the New Zealand Union took full responsibility for future Māori teams; a team went to where it beat for the first time; and the Māori team played the All Blacks for the first time. The Māori All Blacks have undertaken several tours offshore. In 1926, the team played matches in New Zealand and Australia before undertaking a substantial tour to

Page 4 Ceylon, , Great Britain and , including an historic 12-3 victory over France in . There has been a close connection between the Māori All Blacks and Pacific Island teams and the Māori All Blacks have played matches in Spain, , South Africa, Argentina, Canada and USA. A proud record of success Against international sides, the Māori All Blacks have one of the most impressive records in rugby: they have notched up 64 wins in 99 matches against some 17 Test nations, constituting formidable opponents and only the All Blacks and the Springboks remain unbeaten. In 2005, the Māori All Blacks achieved an historic victory over the British and Irish Lions – the first in their eight encounters. In 2010, after beating the New Zealand Barbarians in Whangarei, the team met Ireland for the first time, followed by for the third time and both northern hemisphere sides returned home defeated. How does a player qualify to be a Māori All Black? Whakapapa (genealogy) is an extremely important aspect of the Māori world and to be part of the Māori team a player must be able to connect to a Māori ancestor through their whakapapa. As part of the team tikanga (protocols) each player will stand and recite their whakapapa before the team to affirm their place in the squad. Media Information KEY NOTES FOR MEDIA

Media Schedule: Please note that the Māori All Blacks media schedule is for media planning purposes only.

Media Access: All media requests for the team should be lodged with Mike Jaspers (contact information on page 7)

TV Broadcasts: SKY is broadcasting the Māori All Blacks matches LIVE with replays likely to follow (scheduled replay times may change). Full details available on www.skytv.co.nz.

Player information and news: Updates - and more information about the players - are available on allblacks.com/team/Māori.

Time difference: Fiji is in the same time zone as New Zealand so there is no time difference.

Hashtags: Find and connect with Māori All Blacks news and information available through social media by using #MāoriABs

Page 6 MEDIA INFORMATION CONTACTS & RESOURCES

Māori All Blacks Media Manager Mike Jaspers DDI: + 64 (0) 4 474 7280 M: + 64 (0) 27 677 8875 E: [email protected]

www.allblacks.com/mediacentre The allblacks.com Media Centre features an electronic version of this guide, headshots and logos.

Social media resources

www.allblacks.com/ facebook.com/ twitter.com/ youtube.com/ Teams/Māori allblacks allblacks user/nzrugby

Page 7 ITINERARY TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION & EVENTS

This Schedule is subject to change. New Zealand Rugby and Team Management will endeavour to notify of all changes ahead of time.

WHEN WHAT WHERE TUESDAY 7 JULY 12.30PM MEDIA OPPORTUNITY King’s College Team Photo Golf Avenue Interviews pre training Otahuhu Training AUCKLAND WEDNESDAY 8 JULY 9.45AM TEAM TRAVEL Holiday Inn Lobby Depart Auckland for Suva on NZ52 Parade Suva, Fiji THURSDAY 9 JULY 12.30PM TEAM NAMING FOR NZ MEDIA Holiday Inn Lobby Conference call with Head Coach Colin Cooper and players New Zealand Media Dial: 0800 452 934 Pin: 191 947 8194#

Page 8 ITINERARY TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION & EVENTS

2.30PM TRAINING MEDIA OPPORTUNITY ANZ National Stadium Vision only Queen Elizabeth Rd Suva, Fiji FRIDAY 10 JULY 2.00PM CAPTAIN’S RUN ANZ National Stadium Captain available at start VISION for first 15 minutes only

MATCH #1 - SATURDAY 11 JULY 3.00PM MĀORI ALL BLACKS v FIJI ANZ National Stadium 5.30PM Post-match NZ MEDIA CONFERENCE ANZ National Stadium CALL with Coach Colin Cooper New Zealand Media Dial: 0800 452 934 Pin: 191 947 8194# SUNDAY 12 JULY 12PM NEW ZEALAND MEDIA OPPORTUNITY New Zealand Media Conference Call with Assistant Coach Dial: 0800 452 934 Tabai Matson Pin: 191 947 8194# ITINERARY TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION & EVENTS

MONDAY 13 JULY 5.05PM TEAM TRAVEL Arrive in Auckland on NZ53 TUESDAY 14 JULY 12.30PM MEDIA OPPORTUNITY Pullman Hotel Coach and players available Corner Waterloo Quadrant & Princes St Auckland 1010 2.30PM MEDIA OPPORTUNITY Grammar Tech RC Training 36 Reihana St Vision only Orakei THURSDAY 16 JULY 12.30PM MEDIA OPPORTUNITY Pullman Hotel Coach and players available Corner Waterloo Quadrant & Princes St Auckland 1010 2.30PM MEDIA OPPORTUNITY Grammar Tech RC Training 36 Reihana St Vision only Orakei

Page 10 ITINERARY TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION & EVENTS

FRIDAY 17 JULY 2PM CAPTAIN’S RUN Eden Park Captain available at start Kingsland Vision for first 15 minutes only Auckland 1024

Media meet at Gate E

MATCH #2 - SATURDAY 18 JULY 7.35PM MĀORI ALL BLACKS v Eden Park NEW ZEALAND BARBARIANS 9.20PM Post-match NZ MEDIA CONFERENCE with Māori All Blacks Coach SUNDAY 19 JULY 12PM MEDIA OPPORTUNITY with Pullman Hotel Lobby MĀORI All Blacks Coach Team disassembles MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee Assistant Referees Television Match Official

Maori All Blacks v Fiji, Saturday 11 July in Suva Angus Gardiner (ARU) Rohan Hoffman (ARU) James Leckie (ARU) Maori All Blacks v New Zealand Barbarians, Saturday 18 July in Auckland Kane McBride (NZR) Brendon Pickerill (NZR) Shaun Elliott (NZR) Angus Mabey (NZR)

Page 12 MĀORI ALL BLACKS 2015 SQUAD

Props Brendon Edmonds Hawke's Bay Ngāti Kuhungunu Chris Eves Manawatu /Tainui Josh Hohneck Waikato Ngāti Whātua / Ngāti Manuhiri Ngāti Maniapoto Hookers Hawke's Bay Ngāti Tahinga Quentin MacDonald Tasman Rangitane Joe Royal Te Arawa and Ngāti Whātua I Orakei Locks Jacob Skeen Waikato Ngapuhi North Hayden Triggs Ngāti Kahungunu Harbour Blade Thomson Ngāpuhi Loose forwards Tasman Te Atihaunui a Paparangi, Ngāti Kurawhatia Taranaki Ngāti Porou Southland Ngāpuhi Auckland Te Whānau a Apanui Heiden Bedwell-Curtis Manawatu Ngāpuhi

Page 13 MĀORI ALL BLACKS 2015 SQUAD

Halfbacks Jamison Gibson-Park Taranaki Ngāti Porou/Ngāi Tai Waikato Ngāti Porou First five-eighths Damian McKenzie Waikato Ngāti Tuwharetoa Manawatu Ngai Tuhoe / Te Whanau-ā-Apanui / Ngati Tuwharetoa Midfield backs Charlie Ngatai Taranaki Ngāti Porou /Te Whanau-ā-Apanui Jason Emery Manawatu Ngati Haua / Ngati Maniapoto Taranaki Ngai Tuhoe / Ngati Porou Outside backs Taranaki Ngapuhi Marty McKenzie Taranaki Ngāti Tuwharetoa Auckland Te Whanau-ā-Apanui Matt Proctor Wellington Ngāi te Rangi/Ngāpuhi Codey Rei Taranaki Nga Ruahine / Te Atiawa

Profiles follow in alphabetical order Find more information on www.allblacks.com/Teams/Maori

Page 14 KURT BAKER HEIDEN BEDWELL-CURTIS

Iwi Ngāpuhi Iwi Ngāpuhi Position Outside back Position Loose forward Born 07.10.88 Born 25.06.91 Physical 1.83m | 94kg Physical 1.88m | 104kg Māori All Blacks Debut 2012 v Leicester Māori All Blacks Debut - Māori All Blacks Matches 6 Māori All Blacks Matches - Provincial Union Taranaki Provincial Union Manawatu An absolute speedster and a classy fullback who Heiden Bedwell-Curtis is a gritty flanker, renowned for his combines fancy footwork with a strong tackle and direct running and physicality at the ruck. He grew up in reliable defence, Kurt Baker was part of the Rugby the eastern Taranaki farming community of Whangamo- World Cup Sevens 2013-winning All Blacks Sevens team mona and came through Boys’ High School. and part of the MĀORI All Blacks campaigns in 2012-14. He made his ITM Cup debut for Taranaki in 2012, play- Baker – who identifies himself as Ngāpuhi – adds his ing the season’s first two matches against Māori All Blacks jerseys to his collection of black jerseys, and Wanganui, before breaking his cheek- which includes those from the New Zealand Under 20 bone playing for the development side. He captained the Junior World Championship-winning campaign in 2008 Taranaki sevens side to its first national title in more than as well as those from several seasons with the All 30 years. Bedwell-Curtis moved to Manawatu in 2013, Blacks Sevens. Baker won a Commonwealth Games gold helping the team to the ITM Cup Championship in 2014. medal in Delhi in 2010 and earned the national Richard He was called up into the wider training group Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year Award at on the back of some strong performances for his province the 2013 Steinlager Rugby Awards. but did not take the field.

In 2015 Baker played Investec with the Bedwell-Curtis was a member of the New Zealand side which Highlanders. won the IRB Under 20 World Championship in Italy in 2011. Page 15 OTERE BLACK SHANE CHRISTIE

Iwi Ngai Tuhoe / Te Whanau-ā- Iwi Te Atihaunui a Paparangi Apanui / Ngati Tuwharetoa / Ngāti Kurawhatia Position First five-eighth Position Loose forward Born 04.05.95 Born 23.07.85 Physical 1.79m | 95kg Physical 1.84m | 107kg Māori All Blacks Debut - Māori All Blacks Debut 2012 v Leicester Māori All Blacks Matches - Māori All Blacks Matches 5 Provincial Union Manawatu Provincial Union Tasman Otere Black has earned selection for the Māori All Blacks A member of the Ngāti Kuri iwi, Shane Christie earned a 2015 squad following an outstanding 18 months that place on the Māori All Blacks European Tour in 2012 and have seen him catapulted from the first XV at Tu Toa went on to play all three matches on that tour and against High School in through to a starting USA and Canada in 2013. He was named in the squad for spot with the Hurricanes. the Japanese tour in 2014, but an injury in the ITM Cup Black was selected for the Manawatu Turbos in 2014, Premiership Final prevented him from travelling. winning promotion to the ITM Cup Premiership with a With plenty of pace to go with his imposing size, Christie play-off victory over Hawke’s Bay. Black was named is also adept at the shorter form of the game. He made his Rookie of the Year at the Turbos’ end of season awards All Blacks Sevens debut in 2011 and was part of the squad and picked in the Hurricanes wider training group for the that secured the 2010-11 HSBC Sevens World Series. 2015 Investec Super Rugby season. In the ITM Cup, Christie is the inspirational captain of the He was called into the main Hurricanes squad following Tasman Makos and was nominated for ITM Cup Player of an injury to , showing great composure the Year at the 2014 Steinlager Rugby Awards. In 2014 he after being thrust into a run-on role. Barrett’s recovery joined the Highlanders after making his Investec Super in the nick of time allowed Black to take up his place Rugby debut for the in 2013. A hamstring injury with the New Zealand Under 20 team and helped guide in 2015 pre-season training prevented him from adding to them to the World Championship title in Italy. his 17 matches at that level. Page 16 MITCH CROSSWELL ASH DIXON

Iwi Ngāti Porou Iwi Ngāti Tahinga Position Loose forward Position Hooker Born 14.11.88 Born 01.09.88 Physical 1.90m | 106kg Physical 1.82m | 102kg Māori All Blacks Debut 2014 v Japan Māori All Blacks Debut 2013 v Canada Māori All Blacks Matches 1 Māori All Blacks Matches 3 Provincial Union Taranaki Provincial Union Hawke’s Bay Dynamic loose forward Mitch Crosswell earned selection Skilled at all the traditional hooker’s roles – and to the Māori All Blacks for the first time in 2014, particularly noted for the accuracy of his lineout throwing alongside older brother Nick, and came off the bench - Ash Dixon is also a dynamic player and strong ball carrier in the second match against Japan in . He is a with a high work rate. The Ngāti Tahinga-affiliated rake versatile player, who is renowned for his strong defence earned his call-up to the Māori All Blacks in 2013 after and high tackle count. a strong season with Hawke’s Bay. He appeared in both While young in loosie terms, the former Feilding High matches on the North American Tour and was selected School standout has had an exciting rugby journey again for the 2014 tour of Japan, although his campaign already, playing for Manawatu and Tasman before was cut short by a broken arm. heading to Japan for a year with the Hino Red Dolphins, Māori All Blacks is the latest black jersey for Dixon: he (based near Tokyo) in the national second division. In was a 2006 New Zealand Schools representative and has 2014 he returned to New Zealand and took up a contract won World Championships with the New Zealand Under 19 with eventual ITM Cup Premiership winners Taranaki, and Under 20 sides. going on to earn 10 appearances for the team. Dixon plays for Hawke’s Bay in the ITM Cup and helped In 2015 Crosswell made his Investec Super Rugby debut them win the Ranfurly Shield in 2014. After Super Rugby with the , after starring for the development campaigns with the Hurricanes and , he moved to team. the Highlanders in 2015 and captained the side for the first time in the game against the Hurricanes in Napier. Page 17 ELLIOT DIXON BRENDON EDMONDS

Iwi Ngāpuhi Iwi Ngāti Kuhungunu Position Loose forward Position Prop Born 04.09.89 Born 28.11.90 Physical 1.93m | 110kg Physical 1.83m | 119kg Māori All Blacks Debut 2012 v Leicester Māori All Blacks Debut 2014 v Japan Māori All Blacks Matches 6 Māori All Blacks Matches 1 Provincial Union Southland Provincial Union Hawke’s Bay Ngāpuhi iwi member, Elliot Dixon joined the Māori All Hawke’s Bay prop Brendon Edmonds joined the Māori Blacks in 2013 for his second run for the team after ap- All Blacks for the first time in 2014, having developed pearing in all three matches on the 2012 European Tour significantly through his ITM Cup appearances for the – a tour he earned selection for just a few months after Magpies. A powerful scrummager, Edmonds has been making his Investec Super Rugby debut for the Highland- noted for his high workrate and reliable defence. ers. He played in one match on that tour and followed it Having represented Hawke’s Bay at U20, U18 and U16 up with selection on the 2014 tour to Japan. level, the Ngati Kuhungunu-affiliated player made his Dixon is another former New Zealand age grade player ITM Cup debut in 2012 and won the Ranfurly Shield with to be involved in the Māori All Blacks: he was part of the his province in 2013 and 2014. He was a member of New Zealand Under 20 side that won the Junior World the Hurricanes development team in 2013 and joined Championship in Tokyo in 2009. the Hurricanes wider training squad in 2014. He made Born and raised in , the workaholic loose his Investec Super Rugby debut against the Blues and forward he is now a senior member of the Southland moved to play for the Highlanders in 2014. His form has Stags in the ITM Cup. He has been in impressive form for been impressive in 2015, earning him a starting place the Highlanders during the 2015 Investec Super Rugby at loosehead prop in the Southerners’ highly successful season, featuring in every game of the regular season campaign. and leading the tackle count for the team.

Page 18 JASON EMERY CHRIS EVES

Iwi Ngāti Haua / Ngāti Iwi Waikato / Tainui Maniapoto Position Prop Position Midfield back Born 11.12.87 Born 22.09.93 Physical 1.87m | 117kg Physical 1.83m | 92kg Māori All Blacks Debut 2013 v Canada Māori All Blacks Debut 2014 v Japan Māori All Blacks Matches 4 Māori All Blacks Matches 1 Provincial Union Manawatu Provincial Union Manawatu Chris Eves is a member of the Tainui iwi and one of a Jason Emery - a member of the Ngāti Haua and Ngāti number of Māori All Blacks who joined the squad for the Maniapoto iwi – joined the Māori All Blacks for the first first time in 2013 after an impressive ITM Cup season. time in 2014 for the tour of Japan, scoring two tries on He came off the bench in both matches on the North his debut. American Tour and was selected again in 2014. Emery made his Investec Super Rugby debut for the The versatile prop is difficult to stop when he’s heading Highlanders in 2013 as a 19-year-old, having earned the for the tryline, with considerable power and strength. call-up with imposing performances for Manawatu in the Originally from North Harbour, Eves made his provincial 2012 ITM Cup – his debut season with the Turbos. debut in 2008, before playing two seasons in Portugal. 2012 was a big year for the young midfielder, who was He moved back to New Zealand and was part of the part of the New Zealand Under 20 side that contested Wellington Academy, before joining Manawatu as a loan the Junior World Championships in June that year player in 2013, where he became a vital part of the and was named Age Grade Player of the Year at the Turbos’ set up for that year. Steinlager Rugby Awards. Emery also spent two years in He was named in the Hurricanes’ Wider Training Group the New Zealand Schools side and was named in the New in 2014, but was called up to the full squad as injury Zealand Under 17 squad. cover early in the campaign, playing in a number of key He has completed three seasons at the Highlanders, where matches in his first Investec Super Rugby season. He has he has shown great versatility, proving to be equally gone from strength to strength in 2015. comfortable at second five-eighth, centre or wing. Page 19 JAMISON GIBSON-PARK JOSH HOHNECK

Iwi Ngāti Porou/Ngāi Tai Iwi Ngāti Whātua / Ngāti Position First five-eighth Manuhiri Born 23.02.92 Position Prop Physical 1.76m | 80kg Born 06.02.86 Māori All Blacks Debut 2012 v Leicester Physical 1.90m | 118kg Māori All Blacks Matches 5 Māori All Blacks Debut - Provincial Union Taranaki Māori All Blacks Matches - Provincial Union Waikato Jamison Gibson-Park was 20 when he earned Māori All Blacks selection in 2012 for the European Tour after his Josh Hohneck earned selection for the Māori All Blacks slick passing and explosive speed off the mark during 2015 tour to play Fiji and the NZ Barbarians on the back the ITM Cup that year attracted the attention of the of a breakthrough Investec Super Rugby season with the selectors. He played in all three matches on the tour, Highlanders. coming off the bench against Leicester and Canada. Born in Pukekohe and educated at Waikuku College and In 2013, he joined the Māori All Blacks again for the the University of Waikato, Hohneck made his ITM Cup North American Tour, appearing at halfback in both debut as a front rower for Waikato in 2007 before shifting matches and scoring two tries against Canada and a try to Bay of Plenty in 2009. He was picked up by the Chiefs against USA. He was selected again for the 2014 tour of in 2012 and played 18 games for them through to 2014, Japan, coming off the bench in both games. starting just one. Having played at No 8 until the age of His impressive speed and consistent performance of the 21, he has developed into a mobile and versatile prop halfback’s duties also earned him a place in the Blues’ with a high work rate and abrasive attitude. Investec Super Rugby squad for 2013. He was one of He possesses a well-rounded skill set and this has only two players to feature in every game of the 2015 been evident in the major role he has played for the campaign. In 2014 he was a member of the Colin Cooper- Highlanders in their highly successful 2015 Investec Super led Taranaki team which won the ITM Cup Premiership. Rugby campaign. Although a tighthead prop by choice, Hohneck has also appeared at loosehead, and is regarded Page 20 as one of the unsung heroes of the Southerners’ pack. AKIRA IOANE RIEKO IOANE

Iwi Te Whanau-ā-Apanui Iwi Te Whanau-ā-Apanui Position Loose forward Position Outside back Born 16.06.95 Born 18.03.97 Physical 1.90m | 105kg Physical 1.89m | 102kg Māori All Blacks Debut - Māori All Blacks Debut - Māori All Blacks Matches - Māori All Blacks Matches - Provincial Union Auckland Provincial Union Auckland Akira Ioane, who was born in Japan, has rugby in his blood Despite only turning 18 in March 2015, Rieko Ioane has with his father Eddie a former Samoan international already notched up some impressive performances in lock, while mother Sandra played for the Black Ferns. the black jersey. The tall centre from Auckland Grammar The strapping loose forward has had a stellar 2015, School - the younger brother of Akira Ioane, who is also a making his debut for the Blues in the opening game of 2015 MĀORI All Black - captained New Zealand Secondary the Investec Super Rugby at home against the Chiefs this Schools to victory over their counterparts from Fiji and season. His strong form ensured he was seen regularly Australia in 2014. in the blue jersey while he was also a key player in All Blacks Sevens Coach then selected the New Zealand Under 20 team which won the World him for the 2015 Wellington tournament and the young Championship title in Italy in June. Aucklander repaid his faith by scoring two tries in the As a teenager Ioane was a stand-out for Auckland 27-21 final win over England. Grammar and the New Zealand Secondary Schools team The son of former rugby international players Eddie (for before being snapped up by the All Blacks Sevens in Samoa) and Sandra (for New Zealand), Rieko has signed 2014 making his debut at Sevens Wellington. He ended up to play Investec Super Rugby for the Blues, following the sevens season helping the team winning their in his brother’s footsteps. 12th World Series title and a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Page 21 QUENTIN MACDONALD BEN MAY

Iwi Rangitane Iwi Ngāti Maniapoto Position Hooker Position Prop Born 25.09.88 Born 13.10.82 Physical 1.81m | 102kg Physical 1.93m | 124kg Māori All Blacks Debut 2012 v Leicester Māori All Blacks Debut 2007 v Canada Māori All Blacks Matches 3 Māori All Blacks Matches 8 Provincial Union Tasman Provincial Union Wellington Hooker Quentin MacDonald earned Māori All Blacks Ben May is a versatile prop of Ngāti Maniapoto descent, selection in 2012 for the European Tour, having previously who was first selected for the Māori All Blacks in the worn the black jersey for New Zealand Secondary 2007 Churchill Cup and helping them to victory in the Schools in 2006 and the New Zealand side that won the following year’s Pacific Nations Cup. He re-joined the 2008 IRB World Championship in Wales. team for the European tour of 2012. The Rangitāne-affiliated MacDonald was a key member He played his first full season of provincial rugby with of the Tasman Makos team which made the 2014 ITM Nelson Bays in 2004 when he helped them win the old Cup Premiership Final, having been promoted the season Second Division NPC. He then became a foundation before from the Championship. He played Investec Super member of the Tasman Makos ITM Cup side in 2006, Rugby for the Crusaders between 2010 and 2012, before before switching to Waikato for the 2009 season. moving to the Blues for 2013. He had a four-month stint May made his Investec Super Rugby debut for the with Irish side Munster, as injury cover, and returned to Crusaders in 2007 and played for the Chiefs between New Zealand to play for the Chiefs in 2015. 2008 and 2011, joining the Hurricanes for 2012 and MacDonald was a student at Marlborough Boys’ College, 2013. A two-year stint playing for the Sanix club in Japan playing for the school’s first XV in 2005 and 2006. followed and he returned to the Hurricanes in 2015.

Page 22 DAMIAN MCKENZIE MARTY MCKENZIE

Iwi Ngāti Tuwharetoa Iwi Ngāti Tuwharetoa Position First five-eighth Position Outside back Born 20.04.95 Born 14.08.92 Physical 1.75m | 80kg Physical 1.83m | 85kg Māori All Blacks Debut - Māori All Blacks Debut 2014 v Japan Māori All Blacks Matches - Māori All Blacks Matches 2 Provincial Union Waikato Provincial Union Taranaki Damian McKenzie, who is affiliated to Ngāti Tuwharetoa, A versatile player, Ngāti Tuwharetoa iwi member Marty won the New Zealand Age Group Player of the Year at McKenzie was a star for the Taranaki in the 2014 ITM the 2014 Steinlager Rugby Awards. The versatile player Cup, playing under Māori All Blacks Coach Colin Cooper with a strong skill set, specialises at first five-eighth and as the team took the Premiership title for the first time. was a stand-out in the New Zealand U20’s campaign In March 2014, McKenzie was called into the All Blacks at the 2014 IRB Junior World Cup where he played at Sevens team, attracting praise from super-coach Sir fullback. Gordon Tietjens for his good rugby brain and defensive The son of dairy farmers, McKenzie was born in strength. He is also a useful goalkicker and has a good and educated at Christ’s College, eye for the try line. Christchurch. He played for the Chiefs in the 2015 McKenzie – who plays much of his rugby at fullback - Investec Super Rugby competition, and caught the eye made his Investec Super Rugby debut in 2013 for the with some assured performances. McKenzie has played Blues, just a year after playing for New Zealand Under for the Chiefs Development team in 2014, the New 20 in the 2012 Junior World Championship. He has Zealand Secondary Schools in 2013 and the New Zealand previously starred for the Southland Stags in the ITM Schools Barbarians in 2012. Cup, being born and bred in Invercargill and is the cousin He made his ITM Cup debut for Waikato in 2014, winning of former Māori All Black Robbie Robinson. their Emerging Representative Player of the Year. He was selected for the Māori All Blacks tour of Japan in 2014 and in 2015 he moved to the Chiefs where he has impressed at both first five-eighth and fullback. Page 23 CHARLIE NGATAI (CAPTAIN) MATT PROCTOR

Iwi Ngāti Porou /Te Whanau- Iwi Ngāi te Rangi/Ngāpuhi ā-Apanui Position Outside back Position Midfield back Born 26.10.92 Born 17.08.90 Physical 1.80m | 90kg Physical 1.86m | 97kg Māori All Blacks Debut 2013 v Canada Māori All Blacks Debut 2012 v Leicester Māori All Blacks Matches 4 Māori All Blacks Matches 7 Provincial Union Wellington Provincial Union Taranaki Matt Proctor has family links to both the Ngāi Te Ran- Charlie Ngatai is a member of the Ngāti Porou and Te gi and Ngāpuhi iwi, and his inclusion in the Māori All Whanau-ā-Apanui iwi and made his Māori All Blacks Blacks for the first time as part of the squad for the 2013 debut on the European Tour in 2012. He played in all Tour was the latest black jersey for the three matches on that tour and scored a try in the game young man, whose representative career also included against Canada in Oxford. He joined the team again in New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Under 20. Proc- 2013, appearing against both USA and Canada on the tor played in both matches on the North American Tour, North American Tour, and was given the honouring of the scoring a try on debut against Canada, and also the two captaincy for the 2014 tour of Japan. games against Japan in 2014. Originally from Gisborne, on the east coast of the He made his first class debut for Wellington in 2012 North Island, Ngatai made his first class debut aged 18 while still a teenager and showed he has pace and flair for Poverty Bay, before moving to Wellington. In 2014 on attack. He made four appearances for the Hurricanes he moved to Taranaki for the ITM Cup. Ngatai shifted in 2013 before turning out for Wellington in the 2013 ITM from the Hurricanes to the Chiefs in 2013 and won the Cup. Injuries limited his opportunities throughout that Investec Super Rugby title in his first season. competition, but he had made the most of the game His national representative career includes involvement time he got from the coaches. In 2015 he further added with the New Zealand Schools team and he was part to his Investec Super Rugby appearances with the Hur- of the 2010 Junior World Championship-winning New ricanes, having been one of the stand-out players in a ZealandPage 24 Under 20 team and played in every game. difficult season for Wellington in the ITM Cup in 2014. CODEY REI JOE ROYAL

Iwi Nga Ruahine / Te Atiawa Iwi Te Arawa / Ngāti Whātua Position Outside back I Orakei Born 02.02.89 Position Hooker Physical 1.83m | 92kg Born 31.05.85 Māori All Blacks Debut - Physical 1.85m | 113kg Māori All Blacks Matches - Māori All Blacks Debut 2013 v USA Provincial Union Taranaki Māori All Blacks Matches 3 Provincial Union Bay of Plenty Codey Rei is highly-versatile back and an accomplished goal kicker who is a member of the Ngā Ruahine and Joe Royal is a versatile front row forward who can Te Ātiawa Taranaki iwi. The 2015 tour will be his first effectively cover both sides of the scrum as well as appearance for the Māori All Blacks for Rei who was a hooker. It is that versatility as well as his ability to member of the New Zealand Under 20 side which won disrupt opposition scrums that has saw him selection in the 2009 Junior World Championship in Tokyo. the Māori All Blacks for the first time in 2013, making his Having made his debut for Taranaki in the 2009 ITM debut against the USA in Philadelphia. Cup, his finest moment in the black and amber came in October 2014 when he produced a faultless kicking Royal is of Te Arawa and Ngāti Whātua I Orakei descent display for a personal haul of 21 points as Taranaki won and played two seasons of first class rugby for North the ITM Cup Premiership for the first time. It marked Harbour and club rugby in Auckland before transferring a triumphant return for Rei, who had shifted to North to Bay of Plenty, where he has taken a role as a regional Harbour to play his provincial rugby between 2011 and rugby administrator, supporting rugby in the central Bay 2013. A skilful sevens player, Rei continued to star for of Plenty region. his home province in the abbreviated form of the game during his time away. His performances for Taranaki in 2014 caught the eye of the Chiefs selectors and he was part of the 2015 development squad. Page 25 JACOB SKEEN BLADE THOMSON

Iwi Ngāpuhi Iwi Ngāpuhi Position Lock Position Lock Born 07.04.93 Born 04.12.90 Physical 2.01m | 108kg Physical 1.98m | 106kg Māori All Blacks Debut - Māori All Blacks Debut 2013 v Canada Māori All Blacks Matches - Māori All Blacks Matches 4 Provincial Union Waikato Provincial Union Taranaki Jacob Skeen is a hard-working lock, who made a big im- Ngāpuhi’s Blade Thomson was called into the Māori All pact in his debut ITM Cup season for Waikato in 2014. He Blacks for the first time for the 2013 North America Tour is accomplished in the lineout, a standout tackler and and he featured in both matches. He earned selection again particularly effective at the ruck and in driving mauls. in 2014, securing a starting spot in the two games against He was born in Tairua, grew up in Whitianga and began Japan on the back of solid performances for Taranaki in the playing at the age of four, earning selection for Thames ITM Cup, including six tries in the regular season. Valley age-group representative teams. He was selected Thomson’s versatility and ability to cover lock and loose for the Waikato under-15s and moved to Hamilton Boys’ forward appealed to the selectors – while his impressive High School in 2009. He continued to represent Waikato height makes him another lineout option. He routinely dis- at age-group level, as well as the Chiefs Under-18s and plays a high work rate around the park as well as some nice a New Zealand Under-17s selection. touches with the ball. He is currently a member of the Chiefs Development Thomson made his first class debut as a teenager for Squad and was selected for New Zealand Universities Taranaki and was part of the New Zealand Schools team tour of Japan, but turned down that opportunity after in 2008. He has won a Junior World Championship with opting to remain with the Chiefs. New Zealand Under 20. He made his Investec Super Rugby debut in 2013 for the Hurricanes after being part of the wider training group in 2012, and has gone on to become an integral part of the squad. Page 26 HAYDEN TRIGGS SEAN WAINUI

Iwi Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Ngai Tuhoe / Ngati Porou Position Lock Position Midfield back Born 22.02.82 Born 23.10.95 Physical 1.98m | 106kg Physical 1.92m | 100kg Māori All Blacks Debut 2007 v Canada Māori All Blacks Debut - Māori All Blacks Matches 7 Māori All Blacks Matches - Provincial Union North Harbour Provincial Union Taranaki Hayden Triggs is one of New Zealand’s most experienced Sean Wainui – a member of the Ngāi Tuhoe and Ngāti rugby players with a first class career going back to the Porou Taranaki iwi – joins the Māori All Blacks for the first early 2000s. time in 2015, fresh out of the New Zealand Under 20 team He was called into the MĀORI All Blacks in 2014 as an which won the World Championship title in Italy in June. injury replacement and brought experience to the team He had to work harder than most to earn his black jersey, having made his MĀORI All Blacks debut in 2007 and after spending 11 weeks over the summer in a cast after played in all three matches during the MĀORI All Blacks being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot. After Centenary Series in 2010. missing the Under 20 training camps and trials, he was With more than 65 Super Rugby caps to his credit, Triggs a late call-up to the squad, but hit the ground running has played Super Rugby for the Hurricanes, Highlanders, with two tries from the wing in an electric performance Chiefs and latterly the Blues all of which have seen value against Japan in the Oceania Cup. He followed that in his versatility and impressive work ethic. with a crucial try against Argentina in the second World He made his provincial rugby debut for Manawatu back Championship pool match. in 2002 and had two campaigns with the New Zealand The former Takapuna Grammar first XV captain impressed Divisional XV (later known as the New Zealand Heartland Māori All Blacks coach Colin Cooper with his performances XV). After three years away from New Zealand rugby, for New Plymouth Old Boys in his first season out of including a stint with Honda Heat in Japan, Triggs joined school in 2014, earning selection for Taranaki’s ITM North Harbour in 2014. Cup Premiership winning side as well as the Chiefs development team. Page 27 BRAD WEBER

Iwi Ngāti Porou Position Halfback Born 17.01.91 Physical 1.72m | 75kg Māori All Blacks Debut - Māori All Blacks Matches - Provincial Union Waikato Brad Weber made his Investec Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs in 2014 against the Crusaders and was a stand-out performer in this season’s campaign becoming the first choice halfback. Weber, who is in the final stages of completing a degree in business, captained Waikato during the 2014 ITM Cup season and displayed his strong leadership skills. His pass is one of the fastest in the game, matched only by his electric pace which allows him to reach the breakdown particularly quickly. The former Napier Boys’ High School player has represented whilst studying at University and played for the victorious New Zealand Under 20 side in 2011 when they defeated England in Italy to win the title.

Page 28 COLIN COOPER HEAD COACH AND SELECTOR

First appointed as the MĀORI All Blacks Head Coach in 2013, Colin Cooper is currently coaching Taranaki’s ITM Cup provincial team – a side with whom he has long connections. He ran out 101 times for Taranaki and his playing career also included selections to the Māori All Blacks 1982-1983, and in 1982.

After a two year stint in the Assistant Coach’s seat, Cooper was Taranaki’s Head Coach from 1999-2002 before joining the Crusaders as forwards coach in 2002 and seeing them to that year’s Super 12 title. He was appointed Hurricanes Head Coach from 2003-2010, leading the team to semifinals in 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2009, and a spot in the Final in 2006.

He coached the New Zealand Under 21s that won the International Under 21 tournament in 2001. In 2005-2009 he coached the Junior All Blacks – a side undefeated during his tenure which included an IRB Pacific Nations title.

He stood down from that role in 2010 to return home to Taranaki as Head Coach. Under his watch, Taranaki became the toast of the province when they took the Ranfurly Shield from Southland in August 2011, and defended it seven times. In 2014, Cooper led Taranaki to their first ITM Cup Premiership Final in New Plymouth, with the home side the victors over Tasman.

Cooper is unbeaten on two campaigns as Head Coach of the MĀORI All Blacks, with all of his victories coming against national sides: Canada, USA and Japan. He was recognised as Coach of the Year at the 2014 MĀORI Sports Awards for his work with both the MĀORI All Blacks and Taranaki.

Māori All Blacks Coaching Record

play win draw loss

Head Coach 2013- 4 4 - -

Page 29 TABAI MATSON MĀORI ALL BLACKS ASSISTANT COACH AND SELECTOR COACHES & MANAGEMENT

Head Coach Colin Cooper Assistant Coach Tabai Matson Set Piece Coach Carl Hoeft Performance Analyst Jamie Hamilton Doctor Zig Khouri Strength & Wally Rifle Conditioning Coach Physiotherapist Ash Draper Tabai Matson joined Colin Cooper as his Assistant Coach in 2013, following his first season as the Crusaders Kaumatua Luke Crawford Assistant Coach, with a particular focus on defence. Manager Tony Ward Matson coached Canterbury to their fifth national provincial title, setting try scoring and defensive Baggage Man/Masseur Paul Minehan records along the way. He has also played the game at the top level, having played for the All Blacks, Canterbury and Crusaders in the midfield as well as appearing for Fiji at RWC 1999. He has also played in France and England and coached in Japan and Australia. MĀORI ALL BLACKS RESULTS & RECORDS

Māori All Blacks v All Opponents 2010-2014

Played Won Lost Drawn Winning % Points For Points Agst 436 304 109 23 69.7% 9720 5274

Māori All Blacks v International Sides

Played Won Lost Drawn Points Points For Against All Blacks 2 - 2 - 22 39 Argentina 2 2 - - 82 41 Australia 11 3 6 2 134 166 Canada 4 4 - - 194 74 Cook Islands 1 1 - - 29 17 England 3 1 1 - 106 65 Fiji 28 19 7 2 490 357 France 2 2 - - 17 6 Ireland 1 1 - - 31 28 Japan 3 3 - - 146 61 Lions 8 1 7 - 112 143 Samoa 10 10 - - 234 75 Scotland 2 2 - - 42 23 South Africa 4 - 3 1 23 67

Page 31 Played Won Lost Drawn Points Points For Against Spain 1 1 - - 66 3 14 10 4 - 405 181 USA 3 3 - - 172 56 Totals 97 62 30 5 2220 1353

Most appearances for the Māori All Blacks in Internationals

Period Games Billy Bush 1973-82 16 Tane Norton 1969-77 16 Edward Stokes 1973-79 16 Slade McFarland 1994-2003 14 Ken Going 1969-75 13

Most points for Māori All Blacks in Internationals

Tries Conv Pen G DG Points Adrian Cashmore 5 15 13 1 97 Glen Jackson 2 21 11 - 85 Calum Bruce 4 17 5 - 69 3 8 6 1 52

Page 32 MĀORI ALL BLACKS RECENT RESULTS

8 November 2014, Tokyo v Japan MĀORI All Blacks won 20-18 1 November 2014, Kobe v Japan MĀORI All Blacks won 61-21 9 November 2013, Philadelphia v USA Māori All Blacks won 29-19 3 November 2013, v Canada Māori All Blacks won 40-15 23 November 2012, Oxford v Canada Māori All Blacks won 32-19 17 November 2012, Doncaster v Premiership XV Māori All Blacks won 52-21 13 November 2012, Leicester v Leicester Leicester won 32-24 23 June 2010, Napier v England Māori All Blacks won 35-28 18 June 2010, Rotorua v Ireland Māori All Blacks won 31-28 12 June 2010, Whangarei v NZ Barbarians Māori All Blacks won 37-31

Page 33 MĀORI ALL BLACKS CHARITY

Cure Kids is the Official Charity of New Zealand Rugby and Black Ferns and was appointed in April 2012 for four years.

Cure Kids funds research into children’s life-threatening illnesses and was selected from almost 60 charity applicants. New Zealand Rugby and Cure Kids work on a range of initiatives together to help raise the profile of the charity while also providing Cure Kids Ambassadors with ‘money can’t buy’ opportunities to meet their rugby heroes.

The All Black, New Zealand All Black Sevens, Women’s Sevens, Black Ferns and Maori All Blacks all host Cure Kids Ambassadors at training camps, captain’s run and promotions. A highlight of the partnership included various Red Nose activities; featuring an Black Ferns comedy item for Cure Kids telethon and 50,000 fans donning red noses for the 2012 Bledisloe Test at Eden Park.

Cure Kids has a long-term investment strategy in children’s health research and has achieved several world-first breakthroughs into stillbirth, cot death, childhood leukaemia, heart disease and asthma. They have also funded research into spina bifida, childhood diabetes, hole in the heart babies, liver disease, rheumatic heart disease and many more cruel life-threatening illnesses.

It aims to direct every single dollar raised from the public in any one year to their cause - 100 percent goes to research. Its New Zealand researchers work collaboratively with scientists and clinicians around the world. This research has helped save young lives and improved the quality of life for many more New Zealand children.

For more information, go to www.curekids.org.nz

Page 34 MĀORI ALL BLACKS CHARITY

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS FOR CHILDREN

In June 2014 New Zealand Rugby and UNICEF announced an international partnership which will see the All Blacks, and all other New Zealand Rugby teams, including the Māori All Blacks, support UNICEF’s work in improving the lives of children and communities around the world.

The partnership between NZR and UNICEF brings together two of the most highly-respected global brands, harnessing the power of sport to raise awareness and funds for the world’s most vulnerable and excluded children.

The new partners share a common vision of sport and play as essential to the health, happiness and wellbeing of children and young people, and as key tools for teaching strong values and important life skills. Both organizations also believe in the power of sport to inspire and unite people behind a common goal, in this case, children.

The All Blacks, All Blacks Sevens, New Zealand Women’s Sevens, Black Ferns, Māori All Blacks and New Zealand Under 20 teams will contribute to UNICEF’s work as they play rugby around the world. They are joining UNICEF’s existing team of international sports partners and ambassadors, including FC Barcelona and Manchester United and sporting champions David Beckham and Serena Williams. UNICEF also works with sporting bodies such as the International Olympics Committee and is an official partner for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Page 35 THE MĀORI ALL BLACKS KAPA HAKA

Ever since the Natives team of 1888–1889 introduced a Haka - as well as being the first to play in a black jersey with the silver fern on the chest - the combination of both rugby and Haka has long enjoyed a special place in the hearts of all New Zealanders.

Haka is a war posture dance used to awaken the fighting spirit of the warrior “Kia kōrero te katoa o te tinana” (“The whole body should speak”). Today New Zealand teams perform Haka for the same reasons - to challenge the opposition and to awaken their own aggressive, ferocious wairua (spirit) before the game.

Kapa Haka is an integral part of the Māori All Blacks programme. Daily sessions are scheduled and all team members, players and management, attend. These sessions cover a range of activities which can include:

• team tīkanga (customary Māori practices); • Haka practice – including the meaning and importance of Haka; • Waiata ( Māori song ) practice to support team speakers on formal occasions; • Te Reo ( Māori Language ) pronunciation and phrases which can be used within the team environment; • Wananga (Māori school of learning) discussing matters pertaining to the Māori world;

Page 36 THE MĀORI ALL BLACKS KAPA HAKA

• Whakatauki (tribal sayings) and what they mean and the significance for the team; and • Māori leaders and their contributions.

The New Zealand Māori team’s Haka, Tīmatanga, was composed by Whetu Tipiwai, a kaumātua for the Māori All Blacks. He gifted this taonga (treasure) to the team when it was first performed by the team in 2001. The Haka recounts the Māori view of creation from the void (the nothingness and the darkness) to what we have at the present, namely, a Māori rugby team representing Māori and New Zealand from the four winds of Aotearoa.

Page 37 THE MĀORI ALL BLACKS TIMATANGA

Tīmatanga

I te tīmatanga In the beginning Ko te kore there was nothing Ko te pō nui and there dwelt the great darkness Ko te pō roa the big long darkness Wehenga Mātua the separation of Rangi and Papa Herenga Tāngata formed man, people and all living things He toa Rangatahi formation of young warriors He toa RaNgātira formation of young Chiefs Whakakī ki te Maunga If we aim for the mountains Tae ki te Whenua you will hit the plains Hoki ki te Rangi if you aim for the sky Tae ki te Pukerunga you will hit the mountain peaks Piki ake piki ake Climb up, thrive Ki te ara Poutama to the pathway of knowledge Ki ngā Taumatatanga e to achieve excellence Wairua Hinengaro Tīnana spiritually, mentally, physically RUGBY IN NEW ZEALAND

Charles Monro is recognised as the man who brought the game of rugby to New Zealand and who ensured that it thrived once here. He suggested that the Nelson Football Club and Nelson College adopt rugby rules, assisted in coaching the players and organised the first match between the two sides in May 1870 – which was the first game of rugby played in New Zealand. Later that year Monro arranged a match at Petone for the Nelson Club team against a Wellington selection. On the Saturday prior to the match, Monro walked 15km out to Lower Hutt to find an appropriate venue. Two days later, having recruited and coached the Wellington players as well, Monro took the field of play as a Nelson player – and refereed the game. Rugby in early New Zealand Rugby spread quickly and in September 1875 the first interprovincial match took place in , between Auckland Clubs and Dunedin Clubs. In 1879, the first Provincial Unions were formed in Canterbury and Wellington and in May 1892, at a meeting held in Wellington, the New Zealand was formed.

Close to 150,000 New Zealanders enjoy playing the sport of rugby each week according to official figures released by New Zealand Rugby while many more are involved as coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers - as well as supporters! Over the last four years, total player in New Zealand numbers have increased seven percent, coach numbers have increased 14 percent and referee numbers are up by nine percent.

Over 500 clubs as well as many more schools, provide rugby Rippa is a safe form of rugby for kids resources and training in their local communities.

Page 39 RUGBY IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand’s Provincial Unions In New Zealand, rugby is organised through Provincial Unions, each of which serves a provincial area. Fourteen Provincial Unions field teams in the ITM Cup Premiership and Championship, New Zealand’s premier provincial representative competition. The Pink Batts began in 2006 and is largely based in smaller towns and rural areas of the country. Twelve teams take part in the Heartland Championship.

Provincial Union Estd Home Town Key Auckland 1883 Auckland AK Bay of Plenty 1911 Tauranga BOP Buller 1894 Westport BU NL Canterbury 1879 Christchurch CY Counties Manukau 1955 Pukekohe CM NH East Coast 1921 EC AK TV CM Hawke’s Bay 1884 Napier HB WAI BOP Horowhenua Kapiti 1893 Levin HK EC King Country 1922 KC PB Manawatu 1886 Palmerston North MAN TK HB Mid Canterbury 1927 Ashburton MC WA North Harbour 1985 Albany NH MAN North Otago 1904 NO HK WB Northland 1920 Whangarei NL BU WN Otago 1881 Dunedin OT Poverty Bay 1890 Gisborne PB TM South Canterbury 1888 SC WC Southland 1887 Invercargill SL CY

Taranaki 1889 New Plymouth TK MC Tasman 2005 Nelson TM SC Thames Valley 1922 Paeroa TV NO Waikato 1909 Hamilton WK Wairarapa Bush 1971 WB OT Wanganui 1888 Wanganui WA Wellington 1879 Wellington WN SL West Coast 1890 Greymouth WC Page 40 NEW ZEALAND TEAMS

The All Blacks is one of the most successful teams in world sport, with a winning Test record of more than 76 percent. The All Blacks play European opponents every year in the Steinlager Series and again at the end of the year, and play Argentina, Australia and South Africa annually in the Investec Rugby Championship. The team was crowned Champions in 2011 and has been named the IRB Team of the Year a record seven times.

New Zealand Under 20 is an age-grade side. Each player’s progress is monitored and managed in the best interests of the player’s own development. In 2015, the team won the Under 20 Championship (formerly the IRB Junior World Championship) for the fifth time since 2008.

The Black Ferns are New Zealand’s senior women’s team. Four time World Champions, the Black Ferns are one of the most successful international rugby teams ever, with a winning record of over 80 per cent.

All Blacks Sevens The All Blacks Sevens represent New Zealand at sevens rugby, the abbreviated version of the full 15-man game. The team are the current Champions after triumphing in Moscow in 2013.

Page 41 NEW ZEALAND TEAMS

New Zealand Women’s Sevens The New Zealand Women’s Sevens team represents New Zealand at sevens rugby. The team claimed a third consecutive IRB Sevens World Series title in 2015 and are Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens Champions following their success in Moscow in 2013.

The New Zealand Heartland XV is selected following the domestic rugby season from players in the Pink Batts Heartland Championship. The New Zealand Heartland XV provides an aspirational pathway and opportunity to represent the country to Heartland players.

New Zealand Schools represents the first rung on the high performance ladder of New Zealand rugby, introducing young players to the culture and environment of New Zealand’s national teams. Many players who shine at the professional level of the game and attain higher national honours have begun their careers with the New Zealand Schools team.

NEW ZEALAND TEAMS ACTION STILL TO COME IN 2015

Black Ferns Women’s Rugby Super Series in Canada July 2015 All Blacks v Samoa in Apia July 2015 Investec Rugby Championship July-August 2015 August 2015 NEW ZEALAND’S NATIONAL ANTHEM

‘’ became an official national anthem of New Zealand in 1977. Previously, ‘God Save the Queen’ served as the sole anthem and is still occasionally used, principally where Her Majesty the Queen or a royal representative is present. The words were written by poet , an Irishman who had emigrated to Otago, and were first published in July 1896 as part of a newspaper competition to find a suitable tune for a national song. The competition was won by John Joseph Woods of Lawrence in South Otago, who is said to have written the music in a single sitting, and ‘God Defend New Zealand’ had its debut performance at Dunedin’s Queen’s Theatre on Christmas Day in 1896. ‘God Defend New Zealand’ has five verses, each of which may be sung in English or Māori. Typically, only two verses are sung: the first verse in Māori and then repeated in English.

Māori verse English verse

e Ihowa Atua God of Nations at Thy feet o ngā iwi mātou rā In the bonds of love we meet āta whakarongona Hear our voices we entreat me aroha noa God defend our free land kia hua ko te pai Guard Pacific’s triple star kia tau tō atawhai From the shafts of strife and war manaakitia mai Make her praises heard afar Aotearoa God defend New Zealand

Illustrations: allblacks.com, gettyimages.com, PhotoSport.co.nz, Rugby Images Page 43