Māori All Blacks v Manu Samoa: Josh Dickson, Jacob Norris named for Māori debuts in Wellington

Highlanders lock Josh Dixon and Tasman loose forward Jacob Norris will make their Māori All Blacks debuts, when they face Manu Samoa in Wellington on Saturday.

Both debutants have been named on the bench of a strong line-up to take on the Pacific Islanders, who are building towards a World Cup qualifying series against Tonga.

Highlanders hooker Ash Dixon will captain the Māori side, which includes former All Blacks first-five Josh Ioane among the reserves.

"It will be a really proud moment for Josh and Jacob to not only represent this team, but their whānau and their iwi," says coach Clayton McMillan.

"It will be a great opportunity for us to showcase Māori rugby. We have an experienced and talented group of individuals who are continuing to push for higher honours.

"This is their opportunity to put their hand up."

With the capital city under COVID-19 Alert Level 2 protocols - including no gatherings over 100 people - the match will take place without spectators at Sky Stadium.

Māori All Blacks: 1-Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2-Ash Dixon, 3-Josh Hohneck, 4-Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 5-Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6-Reed Prinsep, 7-Billy Harmon, 8-Whetukamokamo Douglas, 9-Bryn Hall, 10-Otere Black, 11-Sean Wainui, 12-Alex Nankivell, 13-Billy Proctor, 14-Shaun Stevenson, 15-Kaleb Trask

Reserves: 16-Kurt Eklund, 17-Tamaiti Williams, 18-Marcel Renata, 19 -Josh Dickson, 20-Jacob Norris, 21-Sam Nock, 22-Josh Ioane, 23-Jonah Lowe

Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Māori All Blacks v Manu Samoa clash