Tamati Ellison hands debuts to six players as Maori All Blacks face Japan XV in Nagoya

Tamati Ellison has named six debutants in his first Maori All Blacks matchday squad, with centre Bailyn Sullivan handed the captaincy ahead of Saturday’s test against Japan XV in Nagoya.

The match is a rematch of a fixture the Maori All Blacks won 53-20 in 2025, following a split two-game series in 2024. Ellison took over the coaching role from Ross Filipo this season.

Five players will make their debuts in the starting XV: lock Tahlor Cahill of the Crusaders, Blues number eight Torian Barnes, Highlanders halfback Adam Lennox, Chiefs winger Reon Paul, and Blues winger Payton Spencer. Chiefs loose forward Kyle Brown, fresh from an impressive rookie Super Rugby Pacific season, is set for a debut off the bench.

“Bailyn is a player who leads through his actions on the field,” Ellison said of his captain. “He represents the style of rugby we want to play as the Maori All Blacks, fast, physical and built around the way we want to express ourselves. He made his debut for the Maori All Blacks in 2022 and has grown into an experienced member of this group. He has been able to learn from the leaders who have come before him, and now it’s his time to step forward.”

Ellison paid tribute to the new caps, saying the honour had been earned. “Pulling on the Maori All Blacks jersey for the first time is a special moment and one that Adam, Reon, Tahlor, Torian and Payton have earned through their performances and commitment. They’ve embraced everything that this environment stands for, and we’re excited to see them take their opportunity on Saturday.”

The turnaround is particularly sharp for Brown, Ollie Norris, and Jacob Devery, who all featured in last weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific final, but Ellison made clear his side will not temper their ambitions.

“When people watch the Maori All Blacks, they expect us to play with intent,” he said. “We want to be fast, physical, move the ball, back our skills and play an exciting brand of rugby that reflects who we are. The opportunity to represent our people and our culture is something this group is incredibly proud of.”