Maori make wholesale changes

New Zealand Maori coach Donny Stevenson has made wholesale changes for Saturday’s Churchill Cup match against Ireland A in Santa Clara.

Only six players who featured in the 74-6 win over the US Eagles at Santa Clara will start against the Irish reserves.

Jono Gibbes, who was rested from his team’s opening match in the six-team competition, will captain the team.

Vice-captain Paul Tito, four-try flanker Kristian Ormsby, Liam Messam, Chris Smylie, Richard Kahui and Shannon Paku are the only players to remain in the side.

Stevenson said: “We have three days between games so it is important that we give everyone a run and rotate players.

“From what we know of Ireland, they are well organised in defence and their set pieces are good so we are expecting a good battle.”

Bay of Plenty’s Warren Smith has been named to replace Wellington’s Ross Filipo in the squad.

Filipo, a Super 14 winner with the Crusaders, injured a knee against the US Eagles.

Ireland A also opened their campaign with a victory over the hosts, winning 28-13.