New Zealand Maori coach Donny Stevenson has made eight changes to his starting XV for the team's second Churchill Cup match, against Ireland A in Exeter tomorrow morning. Craig West, Aled de Malmanche and Ben May will start in the front row, and Hayden Triggs comes in atlock for Isaac Ross.
Tamati Ellison will start at first five-eighths in place of Callum Bruce and Dwayne Sweeney is at centre for Jason Kawau.
Returning from a knee injury, Hosea Gear is on the right wing for Pehi Te Whare and Shannon Paku starts at fullback in place of Glen Horton.
Stevenson said player welfare played a key role in the rotation decision.
"We are scheduled to play three games in eight days and it is important our players are looked after," he said.
"We have a strong squad and we don't think the changes will affect the way we play."
The 59-23 win against Canada in the first match on Saturday was an ideal start to the team's defence of the Churchill Cup. "We were determined to get our campaign off to a good start, and we achieved that.
"The key now is to build on that and ensure we play good rugby to advance to the final.
"Ireland A will be a challenge and the short turnaround in matches will certainly test us."
Flanker Scott Waldrom has been bracketed with an injured Tanerau Latimer in the starting XV.
NZ Maori v Ireland A, 8am tomorrow
Shannon Paku, Hosea Gear, Dwayne Sweeney, Rua Tipoki (c), Anthony Tahana, Tamati Ellison, Chris Smylie, Warren Smith, Scott Waldrom/Tanerau Latimer, Angus Macdonald, Hayden Triggs, Kristian Ormsby, Ben May, Aled de Malmanche, Craig West
Reserves: Luke Mahoney, Hoani Tui, Isaac Ross, Jarrad Hoeata, James Rodley, Callum Bruce, Pehi Te Whare.
