Te Pou shows respect for Fiji

New Zealand Maori coach Matt Te Pou was forced to do some explaining in Suva yesterday as his team geared up to take on Fiji.

Locals wanted to know why he had left out Crusaders stars Caleb Ralph, Rico Gear and Leon MacDonald from his team for this afternoon's match in Suva.

He assured them the players needed rest after their Super 12 final and it wasn't a sign of underestimating Fiji or showing them disrespect.

"The three players needed rest after a hectic Super 12.

"Not including them doesn't mean we don't respect Fiji.

"Fiji are a world-class team and we have named a side who contain some of the very best players from New Zealand.

"The players we have named are all Super 12 players and some are current or will be All Blacks."

The Maori side include Carl Hayman, perhaps the best tighthead prop in New Zealand, Marty Holah, rated the No 2 All Black openside flanker, captain Jono Gibbes, among the best No 6s, halfback Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister and Neil Brew.

Te Pou said that while Fijians were known for their backline flair, coach Wayne Pivac was trying to develop skills and mobility in the pack.

"This is not like in the past, where the Fiji forwards were not that big or mobile."

Former Auckland coach Pivac dropped flying winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca from his 22 after bracketing him in the reserves.

Caucaunibuca arrived from France on Tuesday and instead of joining the squad camp he took his son to his family in the north of Fiji.

He also missed yesterday's captain's run and Pivac scratched him from the squad, though the former Blues winger is likely to make the team to play the All Blacks on June 10.

Pivac was demanding 80 minutes from his players.

"We have to use our pace and intensity.

"This has to be present throughout the match," Pivac said.

Towering lock Akuila Matanibukaca and flanker Aca Ratuva will make their debut for the Fijians.

* Suva, 3pm today

Fiji

Norman Ligairi, Vilimoni Delasau, Viliame Satala, Seremaia Bai, Sireli Bobo, Nicky Little, Mosese Rauluni (c), Sisa Koyamaibole, Aca Ratuva, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Isoa Domolailai, A Matanibukaca, Bill Cavubati, Bill Gadolo, Josese Bale

NZ Maori

Shannon Paku, Hayden Pedersen, Rua Tipoki, Luke McAlister, Neil Brew, David Hill, Piri Weepu, A MacDonald, Marty Holah, Jono Gibbes (c), Paul Tito, Ross Filipo, Carl Hayman, Scott Linklater, Deacon Manu

Reserves:

Fiji: Sunia Koto, Jone Railomo, Jone Qovu, Sam Tabua, Jacob Rauluni, Epeli Ruivadra, Seva Rokobaro.

NZ Maori: Corey Flynn, Greg Feek, Thomas Waldrom, Daniel Braid, Craig McGrath, Riki Flutey, Tamati Ellison.

- NZPA