By Moorsman
May 22 2007

Press release about the NZ Maori's who are taking part in the Churchill Cup. They are due to play Ireland A at Exeter Chiefs, Sandy Park on Tuesday 29th May, KO 8pm. Ireland A opened their tournament last Saturday with a win against Canada also at Sandy Park Maori target Barclays Churchill Cup hat-trick by Simon Mills May 20, 2007 The New Zealand Maori play at Twickenham for the first time in 81 years on Saturday 2nd June. Tickets to watch them (and the other five participating teams England Saxons, Ireland A, Scotland A, Canada and USA) in action call Ticketmaster on 0870 902 0000. The New Zealand Maori team shook off the effects of their international flight with a gentle loosening up session at Windsor RFC after touching down at Heathrow this weekend. Coach Donny Stevenson insisted the Barclays Churchill Cup holders will provide a formidable challenge again as they attempt to secure a third straight title on their first visit to Twickenham in 81 years. All the squad have been involved in this season’s Super 14 campaign and they will include several survivors from the side that beat the Lions 19-13 in 2005 in their games against Canada (May 25), Ireland A at Exeter (May 29) and on the Twickenham Finals Day on June 2. They also have the chance to catch the eye of All Blacks coach Graham Henry with places still up for grabs on the fringes of the New Zealand squad for this year’s Rugby World Cup. And they will do so with the traditional fast, furious and inventive Maori style of play – and renew old friendships with the likes of Maori players Carlos Spencer, Bruce Reihana and Zinzan Brooke, who now plays at Home Park in the shadow of Windsor Castle. “We’ve lost some key people but this is as strong a side as we can field given that the All Blacks and the Junior All Blacks are in action,” said Stevenson. “We’ve got some pretty talented boys here, including the likes of Rua Tipoki the captain, Angus Macdonald, who played against Scotland and Wales here in 2004, Hosea Gear, Anthony Tahana and Liam Messam, another up and comer who’s the New Zealand Sevens captain. “It’s an exciting mix with 11 new caps and a pool of experienced boys and plenty who are familiar of with the Churchill Cup – with three games in eight days it’s a real challenge. “We play at Northampton, Exeter and then Twickenham, which is our ultimate goal. Our guys have grown up watching the Five and Six Nations back home and Twickenham, rugby and England all go together. We’re looking forward to being part of that experience. The boys all follow the English game, the Heineken Cup and the Guinness Premiership. “There are lots of Maori players over here like Bruce Reihana and Carlos Spencer at Northampton and we hope we can catch up with all the ex-pat Kiwis who are over here at Northampton, Exeter and Twickenham. Family and history are very important to Maori culture and that’s one of the reasons why we’re here at Zinny’s club.” Auckland Blues lock Macdonald is one of the squad’s big names after winning All Black caps against Scotland and Wales in 2004 and is on the way back to the top after knee reconstruction surgery. “It’s an exciting side to be involved in, with 11 new caps as well as plenty of experience,” said Macdonald. “It’ll be a great experience and I’m looking forward to playing the Maori style of rugby. “We’re all aware of what’s at stake here, the guys are certainly up for it and we’re determined to retain the Churchill Cup when we get to Twickenham.” Barclays Churchill Cup tournament (kick off times local) Friday 25 May: New Zealand Maori v Canada, Northampton at 8.00pm. Tickets from 01604 581 000 Tuesday 29 May: New Zealand Maori v Ireland A, Exeter at 8.00pm Tickets from 01392 890890 Saturday 2 June: Barclays Churchill Cup finals day, Twickenham Tickets from Ticketmaster on 0870 902 0000