NZ Maori pumped for PNC 'final'
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:28
New Zealand (NZ) Maori play Australia A in the final round of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Pacific Nations Cup, the winner also claiming the tournament title.
NZ Maori and Australia A are the only two sides, sitting at the top of the competition log, who have not conceded a game and who stand to win the overall title come Sunday's result.
Australia A top the standings, with NZ Maori just two points behind in second place and all to play for at Sydney Football Stadium.
NZ Maori coach Donny Stevenson and assistant coach Milton Haig have named a full-strength side for Sunday's encounter, bar a slight health concern in the front row.
Ben May is suffering from flu and has been bracketed with Bronson Murray. A decision about May's availability will be made on match day.
"Sunday's match is crucial and whoever wins it wins the tournament and we are treating it as a final," said Stevenson.
"Last week's match against Japan gave us a lot of confidence in terms of our attacking game and knowing that Australia A pride themselves on their attack as well, we expect a good game," he added.
NZ Maori: 15 Dwayne Sweeney, 14 Shannon Paku, 13 Jason Kawau, 12 Tamati Ellison (co-captain), 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Callum Bruce, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (co-captain), 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Ross Filipo, 3 Bronson Murray/ Ben May, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Jacob Ellison.
Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Bronson Murray/ Ben May, 18 Hoani MacDonald, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Tim Bateman, 22 Zar Lawrence.
Date: Sunday, July 6
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 14.05 (04.00 GMT)
Referee: James Bolabiu (Fiji)
Assessor: Bob Francis (New Zealand)
