Rugby: Powerful NZ Maori team in the offing

The inclusion of Luke McAlister could lead to some intriguing combinations. Photo / Getty Images

With the apology out of the way, attention can turn to the make-up of the likely Maori squad for the forthcoming tests.

It has been five years since the Maori had a crack at a side that really mattered - the memorable defeat of the British & Irish Lions in Hamilton. Since then, they have either been left idle or pottled around in the Churchill Cup or Pacific Five/Six Nations.

Ireland and England are the real thing, just the ticket to remind the world how Maori rugby can be a devastating mix of power and flair.

It's never easy finding quality opponents with such a congested calendar but both England and Ireland were easy to convince they should help mark Maori rugby's centenary. "Their administrators jumped at the chance," New Zealand Rugby Union general manager of professional rugby, Neil Sorensen, said.

"I'm not sure the players and coaches were so keen because they knew it would be a really tough game.

"We don't have a Junior All Black programme this year, so that means the only team the Maori are competing with for players is the All Blacks. They will have first call on the best 26 players in the country and we have been clear about that. But we are still pretty confident we will be able to put out a very strong Maori team."

As Sorensen says, the make-up of the squad depends on who washes up in the All Blacks. They have first dibs and may cut further into Maori selection given the continuing injury toll.

The strong hint from All Black coach Graham Henry that Luke McAlister will not be promoted to cover Ma'a Nonu's injury will be well received by the Maori.

McAlister could form an intriguing combination with Richard Kahui - both have aspirations to be starting All Blacks and both have the talents to fulfil their goals.

But neither has much in the way of form behind them. McAlister had only one start for the Blues, while Kahui couldn't find any rhythm or confidence as part of an injury-ravaged, under-performing Chiefs backline.

The Maori present McAlister and Kahui with a golden opportunity to play their way back into form and kick-start their respective seasons. With McAlister's ability to break the line and Kahui's astute support lines, these two could be deadly as a pairing - certainly good enough to pressure the established Ma'a Nonu-Conrad Smith combination.

They will be helped by the presence of Stephen Brett in the Maori No10 jersey - which is likely, unless the Blues first five is promoted to back up Dan Carter.

The presence of Piri Weepu at halfback depends on his All Black status (or lack thereof). The back three could be chosen from Hosea Gear, Rene Ranger (if his bloodline confirms he's eligible), Sean Maitland and Dwayne Sweeney. Israel Dagg would be a welcome addition at fullback, but with Mils Muliaina and Isaia Toeava both under injury clouds, the 21-year-old Highlander is a good chance of making the All Blacks.

If the Maori can field that backline, with the likes of Jackson Willison, Callum Bruce and Chris Smylie in reserve, they have a unit that will trouble Ireland and England.

The latter, in particular, are bringing relatively inexperienced backs for the New Zealand part of their tour in the hope their enormous pack will do the damage.

That is where the questions lie in the make-up of the Maori side. They have a backline that can cause damage, play at pace, attack the space and defend aggressively. Will they, though, have enough firepower up front to gain parity with the Irish and English?

The loose trio could contain Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Karl Lowe, Colin Bourke and Scott Waldrom.

Aled de Malmanche and Hika Elliot will be available if they miss All Black selection.

It's at lock and prop where they appear weakest. Isaac Ross could be given the chance to prove himself again and Hayden Triggs is Maori. They are light on resources after that, as they are at prop, where Clint Newland and Bronson Murray will no doubt feature.

If there are concerns about the tight five's quality, they are not expected to dilute interest in the Maori programme.

"We are absolutely anticipating full grounds," says Sorensen, who is also hopeful the change to the June touring schedule from 2012, where teams will come for three-test series, opens the possibility of more meaningful Maori games.

"A lot of provincial teams will put their hand up for that as they would love to play mid-week international fixtures. That is also an opportunity for national teams such as the Maori."

The Maori squad will be announced next Sunday, after the All Blacks have finalised their 26.