Preview - NZ Maori v Scotland A
Scots fired up for Maori challenge
It’s all change for Scotland A who are psyching themselves up to face the Haka this Saturday as they come up against the mighty New Zealand Maori in the final of the Barclays Churchill Cup in Edmonton.
The New Zealand Maori, who beat England in the final two years ago, will face the same backline that the Scots fielded against the Auld Enemy in their first victory of this year’s competition.
The Scots now look ahead to this Saturday’s final after conquering not only the reigning champions England A, but a powerful Canadian side in Ottawa in the space of four days to make an impact in their first appearance in the Barclays Churchill Cup.
"We’ve watched the New Zealand Maori play and we know a few of their players so we are aware of the scale of the challenge we face on Saturday," said coach Steve Bates.
"The lads have done themselves proud to get to the final. We have prepared well and we give it our best. We just have to make sure that we done get overawed by the experience because as we have seen so far in this tournament, anything can happen."
Prop Alasdair Dickinson moves to tighthead to replace Biarritz’s Colin Noon as he continues to receive treatment on an ankle injury with a view to having him fit for the final.
In the back division, Edinburgh Gunners Matt Dey centre teams up with the solid Glasgow Warriors centre Graeme Morrison.
Glasgow team-mate Rory Lamont also returns to the starting XV as he takes his place on the left wing moving Nikki Walker to the bench.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Maori coach Donny Stevenson has named an unchanged starting line-up for the final.
The only change is in the reserves, where Southland’s Pehi Te Whare replaces Wellington’s Cory Jane, who has returned to New Zealand for the birth of his child.
Stevenson said the team had a satisfactory build-up to the final.
"We came through our two pool games really well and we are excited about the contest against Scotland A. They beat England (Saxons) on the way to the final so they are a team that deserves respect," Stevenson said.
"The weather forecast for the final is for showers and that may influence the way both teams approach the game. They have a good pack that can get them front foot ball so we have to stand up in that area and take that advantage away from them.
"We have the attacking ability but we have to make sure that we deliver quality ball for our backs to work off."
The New Zealand Maori advanced to the final after wins over the United States and Ireland A in San Francisco.
NZ Maori: 15 Shannon Paku, 14 Anthony Tahana, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Neil Brew, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Callum Bruce, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Jono Gibbes (captain), 5 Paul Tito, 4 Kristian Ormsby, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Scott Linklater, 1 Joe McDonnell.
Reserves: 16 Luke Mahoney, 17 Mike Noble, 18 Thomas Waldrom, 19 Jake Paringatai, 20 Corey Tamou, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Pehi Te Whare.
Scotland A: 15 Calum MacRae, 14 Simon Danielli, 13 Graeme Morrison, 12 Matt Dey, 11 Rory Lamont, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Rory Lawson (captain), 8 David Callam, 7 Alasdair Strokosch, 6 Ross Beattie, 5 Mark Rennie, 4 Craig Hamilton, 3 Alasdair Dickinson, 2 Fergus Thomson, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements from: Colin Noon, Tommy McGee, Andy Hall, Scott Gray, Andrew Kelly, Andy Miller, Nick De Luca, Nikki Walker, Colin Gregor.
Date: Saturday, June 17
Venue: Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
Kick-off: 12:00 (18:00 GMT)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Touch judges: Olan Trevor (Ireland), Phil Smith (Canada)