Former New Zealand Sevens captain Karl Te Nana believes several Māori All Blacks have pressed their case for higher selection following their drawn series with Ireland.
Despite losing the second match 30-24 on Tuesday night, players including Ruben Love, Shaun Stevenson and Brad Weber were among those at their best across the series.
While the backs were electric with ball in hand on both occasions, Te Nana believes two of the forwards deserve extra attention from All Blacks coach Ian Foster ahead of August’s Rugby Championship.
“I thought Cullen Grace once again was good these last couple of games,” Te Nana said on SENZ Mornings.
“He ran amuck the first game, obviously Ireland aimed up on him a little bit more last night but I think he was fantastic.
“Also I thought Tyrel Lomax did a lot of good work for the Māori All Blacks whether it be in his core role or around the park … he was very busy (and) I thought he was great so I think those two guys.”
Te Nana also paid tribute to fullback Zarn Sullivan who was not named in Clayton McMillan’s side for the second match but produced a Man of the Match performance on debut in the opening game of the tour.
“We saw what Zarn Sullivan did, he didn’t get an opportunity last night but man, I don’t think you can rule out what he did in that first game because he controlled and was a star turn for them.
“Clayton McMillan wanted to give every guy a run in the squad, that’s why Josh Moorby got his debut in the 15 jersey last night.
“But I’m sure if (McMillan had) different thinking … Zarn Sullivan would’ve been starting in that 15 jersey.
“Once again he’s a left-foot kicker, I mean he’s a great long kicker too, he can get you right out of trouble.
“Last night would’ve been a perfect opportunity in these conditions to really get the Māori in another position, especially with Josh Ioane not hitting it properly, so I think he’s another guy (who) has really gone forward in the last couple of games.”
Following a successful series against the Tier One rugby nation, the Māori have hopes of being a consistent part of the All Blacks’ tours going forward.