Rugby: Māori All Blacks bench strengthened by return of ABs from Japan

Māori All Blacks coach Clayton McMillan has named his side to face Brazil in the second leg of their end of year tour.

There are four changes to the starting 15 which thrashed USA 59-22 last weekend.

Prop Marcel Renata, loose forward Billy Harmon, halfback Jonathan Ruru and outside back Matty Landsdown will all start against the South Americans on Sunday 10:15am (NZT).

Jackson Hemopo, Bryn Hall and Matt Proctor have joined the squad fresh off the back of completing their All Blacks duties in Japan.

All three players will provide power off the bench.

"We deliberately put them on the bench to generate the energy late in the game, McMillan said.

"The guys who played last week against USA deserve another opportunity."

"They [Brazil] are a strong side, especially at the set piece they’ll give us a hard physical battle," he said.

"We're preparing the same way as we have for every other team."

Robbie Abel has been named alongside skipper Ash Dixon who is recovering from a knee injury, if needed Ross Wright will cover the bench is the replacement hooker position.

"We're committed to try and get him [Dixon] on the field but we have a few blokes who are in the background chomping at the bit to get their opportunity," he said.

"If that happens I'm sure they’ll do the job for us too."

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