Akira Ioane of the Blues. Photo / Getty
The New Zealand Maori team will again rely on their ability to tap in to their culture and heritage to make up for the fact they have little preparation time ahead of this year's international programme.
Today, coach Colin Cooper named his 27-strong squad to meet Fiji in Suva on July 11 and the New Zealand Barbarians in Auckland a week later.
As is often the case, Cooper's selection hand was forced by who was required for the All Blacks but that was something the coaching staff embraced.
Luke Crawford, the team's kaumatua, plays an influential part in welcoming the new players in to the squad who will depart for Fiji on July 8.
Of the squad that was named today, 10 new caps are included so rather than running through drills, Cooper said the team tried to look back on their proud history.
"We find out about players' character and what Maori rugby means to them and it is a concern but we've managed to do it in the last two years," Cooper said of the short training camp.
"We use Luke and our culture and our history a hell of a lot to bring players together rather than the coaches.
"The coaching on the field is really second to getting to these players about where they come from, what their history is, what we are trying to protect. There's over 100 years of legacy here."
Those newcomers include the Ioane brothers, Akira and Rieko, and the McKenzie brothers, Damian and Marty; all are exciting prospects who could develop in to valuable players in the New Zealand rugby spectrum.
Akira Ioane, a loose forward, has already shown flashes of his talent at Super Rugby level for the Blues, while the 18-year-old Rieko, who can play in the midfield or on the wing, will join him at the franchise next season.
Cooper's squad may change depending on the requirements of the All Blacks for their test against Samoa in Apia next week, while a host of players are also involved in this weekend's Super Rugby final between the Hurricanes and the Highlanders.
Hooker, first-five and halfback are areas of particular strength for the Maori and Cooper said it was pleasing to see players with potential have another platform where they can be exposed to international rugby.
"We certainly wanted to be a high-performance team," he said. "There's a number of young up-and-coming players, not just for the future or Maori rugby, but for New Zealand rugby.
"I think it's a message that needs to be sent - this is the team to make if you're Maori to go ahead in to Super Rugby."
Waikato lock Jacob Skeen is a player who may not be known to many but Cooper said given they had experienced heads Blade Thomson and Hayden Triggs in the mix, it gave them a chance to blood a rookie.
"He's a young man that has got the athleticism and the skill, just hasn't had the experience."
The New Zealand Barbarians side will likely be named next Friday.