3:35pm SATURDAY, JULY 5th, 2025 Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei, NZ
Fresh from a dominant 50-23 triumph over the Japan XV in Tokyo, the Māori All Blacks have turned their attention to the next challenge—a clash with Scotland at Whangārei’s Semenoff Stadium this Saturday. The squad named by head coach Ross Filipo remains largely unchanged, a reflection of both form and faith as the side looks to build on last weekend’s statement performance.
The day at Semenoff will begin with a tantalising curtain-raiser: the Black Ferns facing off against a Black Ferns XV in a high-stakes trial match set to kick off at 1:05pm NZT. It promises to be a celebration of Māori and women’s rugby in a stadium brimming with local pride.
Among the few changes for the Māori All Blacks, Blues back Corey Evans earns a place in the 23-man squad, while Crusaders lock Antonio Shalfoon is set to make his debut, pairing up with the ever-reliable Isaia Walker-Leawere in the second row. Shalfoon’s inclusion marks a special moment for the promising lock, whose rise has been nothing short of impressive.
Out wide, Chiefs midfielder Daniel Rona will shift into a new role, slotting in on the left wing in place of Jonah Lowe. His physicality and smart running lines offer a new edge to the backline.
Despite the emphatic win in Tokyo, Filipo isn’t letting complacency creep in. “Last weekend was a strong performance, but Scotland will bring a different kind of challenge,” he said. “We need to stay sharp and connected as a group.”
With momentum on their side and a proud northern crowd behind them, the Māori All Blacks are set for another stirring chapter in their 2025 campaign.
Starting XV
1. Jared Proffit – Ngati Porou 2. Kurt Eklund (C) – Ngati Kahu 3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin – Ngati Porou 4. Antonio Shalfoon* – Whakatohea 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere – Ngati Porou 6. Te Kamaka Howden – Tuhoe 7. Jahrome Brown – Ngati Porou 8.Cullen Grace – Ngati Whakaue 9.Sam Nock – Ngapuhi 10.Rivez Reihana – Ngapuhi, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Hine, Ngati Tuwharetoa 11. Daniel Rona – Te Atiawa 12. Gideon Wrampling – Ngapuhi 13.Bailyn Sullivan – Ngati Kahungunu 14. Cole Forbes – Ngati Awa 15.Zarn Sullivan – Ngati Kahungunu
Impact
16. Jacob Devery – Te Aitanga a Mahaki 17.Pouri Rakete-Stones – Ngapuhi 18. Benet Kumeroa – Te Atihaunui a Paparangi 19. Laghlan McWhannell – Ngati Kahungunu
20.Caleb Delany – Ngati Tuwharetoa 21. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara – Ngai Tai, Ngati Porou
22. KalebTrask – Ngapuhi 23. Corey Evans – Te Aupouri, Ngati Kahu
As Scotland prepare to open their 2025 Pacific Tour with a stern test against the Māori All Blacks in Whangārei, it will be Stafford McDowall who leads the charge in navy blue. The Glasgow Warriors centre—no stranger to leadership—returns to the captaincy role he first embraced during Scotland’s hard-fought win over Portugal last November.
Backing McDowall are two trusted lieutenants: scrumhalf George Horne, whose sharp service and game control make him a natural leader, and back-rower Josh Bayliss, fresh off Premiership glory with Bath and ready to bring that championship edge to the Test arena.
For Harry Paterson, Saturday marks a welcome return. After injury robbed him of valuable minutes during last year’s July tour, the electric back gets his chance to reignite his international career—his first appearance since facing Uruguay in 2024. He’ll start on one wing, while the pacey Arron Reed patrols the other.
In the midfield, McDowall will combine with Northampton Saints playmaker Rory Hutchinson, a late addition to the squad after Matt Currie was ruled out through injury. Hutchinson brings creativity and composure—two traits that will be vital against the powerful Māori side.
The backfield is anchored by Ollie Smith, who pulls on the Scotland jersey for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup clash with Ireland. The halfback pairing of Adam Hastings and George Horne, both from Glasgow, adds a familiar synergy to the spine of the team.
Up front, Scotland look to a blend of youth and grit. Nathan McBeth and Patrick Harrison, who both made their international debuts on last year’s summer tour, will scrum down alongside prop Fin Richardson. For Richardson, who toured South America in 2024, this match marks his maiden outing in a Scotland jersey—albeit in a non-capped fixture.
Lock Cameron Henderson is another name to watch. After playing a key role in Leicester’s narrow loss to Bath in the Premiership Final, Henderson returns to the Test fold for the first time since his debut against Italy two years ago.
Joining Bayliss in the back row are the dynamic Ben Muncaster and Andy Onyeama-Christie—the latter making his first appearance in dark blue since the 2024 Six Nations campaign.
On the bench, experience and youth blend again. George Turner returns to the squad at hooker, joined by Alec Hepburn—back in the mix after his run in the 2024 Guinness Six Nations—and Will Hurd as another front-row option.
Max Williamson and Gregor Brown, who both debuted during last year’s win over Canada, provide depth in the second and back row respectively.
But Saturday will be particularly momentous for two debutants: loose forward Alexander Masibaka and fly-half Fergus Burke, the former Crusader, who are set to don Scotland colours for the first time. Joining them among the reserves is versatile back Jamie Dobie, rounding out a six-two bench split designed for impact.
From battle-hardened veterans to fresh-faced debutants, this Scotland squad heads into Whangārei with belief, balance, and a burning desire to start their Pacific Tour with purpose.
Scotland
15 Ollie Smith, 14 Harry Paterson, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Stafford McDowall (captain), 11 Arron Reed, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 George Horne, 8 Ben Muncaster, 7 Andy Onyeama-Christie, 6 Josh Bayliss, 5 Cameron Henderson, 4 Marshall Sykes, 3 Fin Richardson, 2 Patrick Harrison, 1 Nathan McBeth.
Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Alexander Masibaka, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Jamie Dobie.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Jordan Way (Australia), Reuben Keane (Australia)
TMO: Oli Kellett (Australia)
Prediction
The Maori side in a close contest.
Comments