Preview – Maori All Blacks v Scotland

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 16: Scotland's Stafford McDowall during The Famous Grouse Nations Series match between Scotland and Portugal at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, on November 16, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Māori All Blacks v Scotland
Saturday 5 July 2025, Semenoff Stadium – Whangārei, kick-off 3.35pm local time (Saturday 5 July, kick-off 4.35am UK time)
Live on Sky Sports

Scotland take on the Māori All Blacks this Saturday for what will their be their first match on tour in New Zealand for 25 years.

The squad arrived in Auckland last weekend before journeying north to Whangerei where they have been based for the week, training at Northland Rugby Club.

The uncapped match represents a valuable opportunity for players to impress ahead of the last two games of the tour, against Fiji and Samoa where ranking points are at stake ahead of the Rugby World Cup draw in December.

The History

The last time Scotland faced the Māori All Blacks on Saturday 5 July was in 2000, when the hosts edged a narrow encounter 18-15 in New Plymouth.

It will be just the third match between the Māori and Scotland with the other game coming at Murrayfield in Edinburgh in 1998.

The opponents

The Maori All Blacks are a team steeped in rugby folklore with a number of players progressing to the All Blacks team after impressing in the Maori jersey.

They have two matches this summer and defeated 53-20 against Japan over the weekend in preparation for the match against Scotland

Team news

Stafford McDowall will captain Scotland for their first match of the Skyscanner Pacific Tour.

McDowall has previous experience of leading his country after being selected to take on the role for the victory over Portugal last November.

He will be assisted with his leadership by vice-captain’s George Horne and Bath’s Josh Bayliss who starts in the back-row after lifting the Premiership with Bath.

Fin Richardson will play in the Scotland jersey for the first time alongside Alexander Masibaka and Fergus Burke who have been named on the bench.

Blues back Corey Evans comes into the 23-man squad for the Maori All Blacks, while Crusaders lock Antonio Shalfoon will make his debut alongside Isaia Walker-Leawere at lock.

Chiefs midfielder Daniel Rona comes into the lineup to start on the left wing, replacing Jonah Lowe. Former Glasgow Warriors winger Cole Forbes starts on the opposite flank.

Pre-match thoughts

Ahead of Saturday’s match Ben Muncaster is expecting a physical encounter. He said: “One of the main things is they’re going to be extremely passionate and play with a lot of freedom, especially being at home.

“They’re going to be seriously up for it, so we’re going to have to relish the occasion, the experience, and just play our game.

“It’s purely a privilege to be able to go to the other side of the world and play some rugby. I’m just really excited.”

Meanwhile in the opposition camp, Maori All Blacks coach Ross Filipo said: “We know Scotland have their own style, so we are now firmly looking forward. Scotland are physical, and the team is ready for that. We are focused on working collectively to balance our natural instincts with smart decision-making.”

Tickets

Match tickets are still available to buy here