The Māori All Blacks face Scotland on July 5, 2025, at Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei, in a historic Test match, their first meeting since 2000. Fresh off a commanding 53-20 win over Japan XV in Tokyo, the Māori All Blacks vs Scotland 2025 clash promises high-stakes rugby and cultural celebration. Led by captain Kurt Eklund, the squad blends veterans and debutants, ready to showcase their mana. This preview covers the squad, key battles, schedule, and how to watch live globally. For more on their Japan tour, read our Japan match recap.
Māori All Blacks Squad: Power and Pride
Coach Ross Filipo’s 28-man squad, announced on June 24, 2025, features 11 uncapped players, including prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin and lock Keelan Whitman, who shone in the Japan XV victory. Captain Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu), with a 92% lineout accuracy, leads a pack bolstered by props Jared Proffit and Max Hicks (90% scrum retention). The backline, driven by Zarn Sullivan’s flair (two tries in Tokyo) and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens’ pace, promises dynamism. Filipo emphasized cultural connection, saying, “This team carries our whakapapa.” X fans praised the squad’s mana, with one post calling it “a perfect blend of youth and experience” (). Explore their depth in our youth talent feature.
Scotland’s Challenge: A Physical Test
Scotland, coached by Gregor Townsend, brings an experienced squad, with Darcy Graham’s four-try haul against Samoa in 2024 signaling their attacking threat. The Scots, last facing the Māori All Blacks in 2000 (18-15 loss in New Plymouth), aim to counter with physical forwards like Jamie Ritchie and a robust lineout led by Jonny Gray. Townsend noted, “Playing the Māori All Blacks is a unique challenge” (). Their Pacific Tour, including Fiji and Samoa, tests their depth, especially with the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour overlapping (). For tactical insights, see our breakdown analysis.
Māori All Blacks 2025 Schedule
The Māori All Blacks’ 2025 campaign includes their Japan XV win and the upcoming Scotland Test, part of a double-header with a Black Ferns trial match. Below are their fixtures:
| Date | Opponent | Time (NZST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 2025 | Japan XV | 9:05 PM | Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo |
| July 5, 2025 | Scotland | 3:35 PM | Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei |
Tickets for the Scotland match start at NZ$30 (adults) and NZ$15 (children) via allblacks.com. Corporate hospitality packages are available at allblackstravelandhospitality.com.
Key Battles to Watch
The Māori All Blacks’ scrum, led by Hicks and Proffit, faces Scotland’s front row, anchored by Zander Fagerson. Zarn Sullivan’s counter-attacks will test Scotland’s back three, particularly Graham’s defensive positioning. The breakdown, where Jahrome Brown’s 88% ruck success shone in Tokyo, will challenge Ritchie’s poaching. The Māori haka, a cultural cornerstone, sets an intense tone—learn more in our haka feature. Scotland’s lineout, per web reports, averages 85% retention, making Whitman’s role critical. For set-piece strategies, see our scrum tactics.
Cultural Significance and Fan Excitement
This Test, the first Māori All Blacks-Scotland clash in 25 years, coincides with Māori New Year celebrations, amplifying its cultural weight. The new 2025 jersey, Te Tauihu Matua, designed by Kahurangi Falaoa, symbolizes leadership and heritage (). X posts buzz with excitement, with fans calling it “a must-watch for rugby and culture” (). The double-header with the Black Ferns trial match at 1:05 PM NZST adds family-friendly appeal. For more on the Black Ferns, read our Black Ferns 2025 news.
How to Watch Māori All Blacks vs Scotland 2025 Live
Catch the action with these global 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+. Verify eligibility.
- Sky Sport Now: Stream in New Zealand via Sky Sport Now (NZ$24.99/week).
- Stan Sport: Australian fans can watch on Stan Sport (A$15/month + base plan).
- FloRugby: USA viewers 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.
Why This Match Matters
The Māori All Blacks vs Scotland Test is a rare clash blending rugby excellence with cultural pride. With Eklund’s leadership and Sullivan’s flair, the Māori All Blacks aim to build on their Tokyo triumph. Scotland’s physicality tests their resolve, setting the stage for the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship campaign—previewed in our Rugby Championship guide. Follow ABS Rugby for updates!
Who will dominate the Māori All Blacks vs Scotland clash? Share your predictions in the comments and join the conversation on social media with #MāoriAllBlacks2025!