Four new caps have been included in the New Zealand Maori side to play Tonga in the opening Pacific Nations Cup rugby match at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.
Former All Blacks lock Jason Eaton, Hawke's Bay frontrowers Hika Elliot and Clint Newland and Canterbury second five-eighth TimBateman were today named in the 22-man squad by coach Donny Stevenson.
Eaton combines with 2007 All Blacks lock Ross Filipo in an experienced second row while halfback Piri Weepu and openside flanker Daniel Braid also boast test experience.
Hooker Elliot and tighthead prop Newland earn their call-ups on the back of impressive Super 14 campaigns with the Hurricanes and Highlanders respectively.
Bateman has been named on the bench while fellow Crusader Stephen Brett is likely to feature later in a five-match schedule that features matches against Fiji, Samoa, Japan and Australia A.
The match kicks off at 4.40pm.
New Zealand Maori Shannon Paku, Zar Lawrence, Jason Kawau, Tamati Ellison (co-captain), Hosea Gear, Callum Bruce, Piri Weepu, Thomas Waldrom, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam (co-captain), Jason Eaton, Ross Filipo, Clint Newland, Hika Elliot, Keith Cameron.
Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Ben May, Isaac Ross, Daniel Braid, Chris Smylie, Tim Bateman, Glen Horton.
