TJ Perenara to start for Maori All Blacks against Ireland

TJ Perenara has been given another opportunity to impress the New Zealand selectors after being named in the Maori All Blacks line up for the Tuesday's game against Ireland at Sky Stadium.

Head coach Clayton McMillan has retained the front row from the last time these two teams met with Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax and hooker Kurt Eklund all starting.

The backrow sees Reed Prinsep come into the side at blindside with Cameron Suafoa missing out with Maanaki Selby-Rickit replacing Josh Dickson in second row.

Perenara will form halfback partnership with Josh Ioane at fly half with three debutants Max Hicks, Josh Moorby and Caleb Delany given a chance to improve against Andy Farrell's men.

“The first match was really special, with nine debutants up against Ireland and this week the remaining three debutant players get that same opportunity to represent not only the team but their whanau and their iwi,” Maori coach, Clayton McMillan said.

“Last time the Maori All Blacks took the field at Sky Stadium it was amidst the Covid-19 outbreak with no crowds allowed at the match.”

The last time these two teams met was in Hamilton two weeks ago when Maori All Blacks registered a 32-17 win.

Maori All Blacks XV: 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, Ollie Norris.

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