Japan to host Maori All Blacks in November

TOKYO (July 7) – Japan will host the Maori All Blacks in a two-game series in November.

The Brave Blossoms will take on the Maori ABs, who will be coached by Colin Cooper, on Nov. 1 at Noevir Stadium, Kobe and on Nov. 8 at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo.

“It gives us great pleasure to welcome the Maori All Blacks to Japan for the first time, following last autumn’s tour by the All Blacks, the world champions,” said Japan Rugby Football Union Chairman Tatsuzo Yabe. “It is a privilege to be able to invite and have two matches with another leading rugby team from New Zealand again this year.

“The Japan national team has recently risen to 10th in the IRB world rankings for the first time in its history. However, to make the knock-out stage at Rugby World Cup 2015, they have more work to do. Therefore, taking on a strong opponent such as the Maori All Blacks is tremendously important for the development of our team, whose target is the top eight in the Rugby World Cup.

“Both the Japan national team and the Japan Rugby Football Union look forward to hosting every member of the Maori All Blacks in November while making its best preparation for the match.”

Japan coach Eddie Jones said he was delighted his side would take on the Maori All Blacks, saying they were the perfect opposition for the Brave Blossoms as they build towards Rugby World Cup 2015.

“The Maori have a winning record of 90 percent over the last 20 games,” he said. “So in terms of the strength of the team, it’s a fantastic game for us to play against a team that probably ranks sixth or seventh in the world in ability.”

“The Maori All Blacks have a great history, are a very proud team, play the game at pace and move the ball around. It’s fantastic preparation for the World Cup for us to play against them. It’s also a great honour and we are really looking forward to it. And while they are not officially test matches we will treat them as test matches.”