Maori All Blacks

Coach Colin Cooper has named All Blacks Akira Ioane, Tawera Kerr Barlow and Rieko Ioane in his starting fifteen along with Nehe Milner Skudder.

Hawke's Bay's Ash Dixon will captain the side which features just two new caps in reserves, Bryn Hall and Rob Thompson.

"We've named a strong group who all have good clarity on how we want to play this match against the Lions. We feel Damian will suit the game plan that we want to play, from the number 10 position, "

Cooper said he was pleased with the way the players had connected throughout the week.

Munster, who famously defeated New Zealand proper in 1978, hosted the Maori outfit in Limerick on Saturday morning (AEDT).

As the sides prepared for the traditional pre-match haka, three Maori players carried forward a jersey baring the initials 'AF' and solemnly placed it on the halfway line.

A particularly resonating haka followed, before Foley's sons collected the jersey.

Munster went on to record a famous 27-17 victory.