The Māori All Blacks squad have assembled in Auckland to prepare for their two games in Japan. Te Kāea caught up with the players before they depart later tonight.
With just hours together, the Māori All Blacks team got straight to training today.
The side assembled for the first time and will travel to Japan later tonight. The 27 members of the squad are from all over the country, including 12 new caps.
Yesterday, three Tasman players were ruled out of the team because of injury, which gives Hayden Triggs and brothers Nick and Mitch Crosswell the opportunity to be in the side.
This is Mitch Crosswell's first time in the Māori All Blacks team.
This is Charlie Ngatai's first time as captain for the team, he's excited about the upcoming tour.
The Māori All Blacks' first game is this Saturday in Kobe, Japan.