How to watch Māori All Blacks vs Japan Rugby Anywhere

The Māori All Blacks are set to reignite their rivalry with Japan XV in what promises to be another thrilling clash – and fans around the world can catch every moment live.

Following a hard-fought two-match series in 2024 that ended 1-1, anticipation is high for this year’s encounter in Tokyo. The Māori All Blacks dominated the opening game last year 36–10, before Japan XV bounced back strongly in the second game, claiming a 26–14 win in front of a passionate home crowd.

Seven debutants have made the team (tīma) to play the Japan XV, alongside experienced Captain Kurt Eklund.

Māori All Blacks vs Japan XV Rugby Details:

Date: Saturday, June 28
Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo
Kick-off: 18.00 (21.00 NZST; 09.00 GMT)
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Live Stream Anywhere: Watch on Rugby247.TV

Where to watch:

For fans in New Zealand, the game will be broadcast live in Te Reo Māori on Whakaata Māori and MĀORI+, celebrating the cultural pride and heritage that sits at the heart of the Māori All Blacks legacy. A simulcast will also air on Sky Sport, ensuring fans across the motu (country) can enjoy the action on their preferred platform. The best way to watch Maori All Blacks vs Japan game live stream on Rugby247.TV from anywhere, without cable and VPN free.

Match Preview

Māori All Blacks Head Coach Ross Filipo says he’s been thoroughly impressed with the players (kaitākaro) returning to the team environment, and those new to the group, remarking on how well they have come together and focused on the campaign ahead.

“It’s a tight turnaround for us with plenty of our players in the Super Rugby Pacific final on Saturday night and then coming straight into this environment. Selections were tough, and our coaching group spent quite some time together to make sure we had the right mix to take the field in Tokyo. We are determined to right a wrong from our last game in Aichi in 2024.”

Hooker (Waekape) Eklund anchors the scrum (nonoke), with debutant Jacob Devery as impact, alongside props 31-year-old Jared Proffit and Kershawl Sykes-Martin in his debut. Isaia Walker-Leawere and Laghlan McWhannell make up the locking (poukūiti) duo, while Jahrome Brown and Te Kamaka Howden have been named in the loose forwards. Cullen Grace completes an experienced forward pack at no.8 (pouwaru).

Three-time Māori All Black Sam Nock comes in as halfback (poutoko) and after a stellar Super Rugby Pacific season, Rivez Reihana has been named as first five-eighth (topatahi).

Bailyn Sullivan and Gideon Wrampling will bring their strong ball carrying skills in the midfield, Jonah Lowe and Cole Forbes will start as wingers (parirau), with Zarn Sullivan rounding out the backs (pou muri).

Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Benet Kumeroa, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Kaleb Trask and Xavi Taele have been named as reinforcements.

Māori All Blacks vs Japan XV

1. Jared Proffit*, Ngāti Porou
2. Kurt Eklund, Ngāti Kahu (C)
3. Kerswhal Sykes-Martin*, Ngāti Porou
4. Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ngāti Porou
5. Laghlan McWhannell, Ngāti Kahungunu
6. Te Kamaka Howden, Tūhoe
7. Jahrome Brown*, Ngāti Porou
8. Cullen Grace, Ngāti Whakaue
9. Sam Nock, Ngāpuhi
10. Rivez Reihana, Ngāphui, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine
11. Jonah Lowe, Ngāti Pikiao
12. Gideon Wrampling*, Ngāpuhi
13. Bailyn Sullivan, Ngāti Kahungunu
14. Cole Forbes, Ngāti Awa
15. Zarn Sullivan, Ngāti Kahungunu

16. Jacob Devery*, Te Aitanga a Mahaki
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, Ngāpuhi
18. Benet Kumeroa, Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi
19. Zach Gallagher*, Te Ātiawa
20. Caleb Delany, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
21. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara*, Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou
22. Kaleb Trask, Ngāpuhi
23. Xavi Taele*, Ngāi Tahu

Key facts:

- Tokowaru ngā kaitākaro hou kua whakaingoatia e Ross Filipo mō te kēmu tuatahi
- Eight debutants have made Ross Filipo’s first team of the campaign

- Kei te whai wehenga te kapa Māori i a Hapani XV hei rānaki i te utu o te kēmu tuarua i tērā tau
- The Japan XV and Māori All Blacks faced off in two matches in Japan in 2024, winning one a piece

- Kua toa i te kapa Māori ngā kēmu e toru o ā rātou kēmu e rima whakamutunga
- The Māori All Blacks have won three of their last five games