The Māori All Blacks launched their 2025 campaign with a commanding 53-20 victory over Japan XV on June 28 at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo. Led by new captain Kurt Eklund, the team overcame a challenging first half to deliver a powerful second-half performance, showcasing their cultural pride and rugby prowess. This Māori All Blacks 2025 Japan clash sets the stage for their upcoming Scotland Test. Dive into the match highlights, key players, schedule, and how to watch live globally. For more New Zealand rugby, explore our 2025 Rugby Championship guide.
Māori All Blacks Triumph in Tokyo
Trailing at halftime, the Māori All Blacks, coached by Ross Filipo, turned the tide with a disciplined second half, scoring eight tries to Japan XV’s three. Debutant fullback Zarn Sullivan dazzled with two tries and a 90% tackle completion rate, while midfielders Bailyn Sullivan and Gideon Wrampling powered through with strong carries. Wingers Jonah Lowe and Cole Forbes each crossed the line, and prop Jared Proffit anchored a scrum that achieved an 85% retention rate. Filipo praised the team’s adaptability despite a tight turnaround from the Super Rugby Pacific final. “Our kaitākaro connected deeply with our whakapapa,” he said, emphasizing cultural pride. Read more about their style in our backline analysis.
Debutants Shine, Japan XV Fight Hard
Eleven uncapped players, including prop Kerswhal Sykes-Martin and lock Keelan Whitman, made their mark, with Sykes-Martin contributing to a dominant set-piece. Japan XV, led by captain Kanji Shimokawa and coached by Neal Hatley, showed attacking flair through newcomers Sam Greene and Charlie Lawrence but struggled defensively, conceding 53 points. Social media buzz on X highlighted Japan’s early promise but noted their defensive lapses, with fans praising the Māori All Blacks’ second-half adjustments. For more on debutants, see our youth talent feature.
Māori All Blacks 2025 Schedule
The Māori All Blacks’ 2025 campaign includes the Japan XV win and an upcoming Test against Scotland. Below are their confirmed fixtures:
| Date | Opponent | Time (NZST/JST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 2025 | Japan XV | 9:05 PM NZST / 6:05 PM JST | Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo |
| July 5, 2025 | Scotland | 3:35 PM NZST | Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei |
Tickets for the Scotland match are available via allblacks.com.
Key Players and Cultural Significance
Captain Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu), a hooker with a 92% lineout throw accuracy, led with composure, while loose forward Jahrome Brown’s relentless work rate disrupted Japan’s rucks. The team’s haka, a powerful symbol of Māori identity, set the tone, resonating with fans globally. X posts celebrated the squad’s mana, with one fan noting, “Māori All Blacks brought the heat in Tokyo!” For more on their cultural impact, read our haka feature. The victory builds momentum for the Scotland clash, detailed in our Scotland preview.
How to Watch Māori All Blacks 2025 Live Globally
Catch the Māori All Blacks’ next match with these streaming options:
- JokerHDPass: Stream in HD on JokerHDPass, ideal for geo-restricted regions, supporting smart TVs and mobiles.
- NZR+: Free streaming in select regions at NZR+. Check eligibility.
- Sky Sport Now: New Zealand fans can stream on Sky Sport Now (NZ$24.99/week).
- Stan Sport: Australian viewers can watch on Stan Sport (A$15/month + base plan).
- FloRugby: USA fans can stream via FloRugby ($29.99/month).
Use a VPN like NordVPN for geo-restricted streams. A 5 Mbps connection ensures HD quality. Visit our streaming guide for tips.
Looking Ahead to Scotland
The Māori All Blacks now prepare for a historic Test against Scotland on July 5 in Whangārei, part of a double-header with the Black Ferns. With debutants proving their worth and veterans like Eklund leading, the team is poised to carry their Tokyo momentum forward. For tactical insights, see our scrum tactics and breakdown analysis. Stay with ABS Rugby for updates!
Who’s your Māori All Blacks standout from the Japan win? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation on social media with #MāoriAllBlacks2025!