Zach Gallagher of the Māori All Blacks. Photo: Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz
After a 53-20 win over a Japan XV, the Māori All Blacks have Scotland in their sights.
It's been 25 years since the two teams last played each other, and they'll come together in Whangārei on Saturday afternoon as part of a double-header with the Black Ferns trial match.
Zach Gallagher (C) during Maori All Blacks training. Photo: Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz
It will be just the third game between the Māori All Blacks and Scotland, following matches in New Plymouth in 2000 and in Edinburgh in 1998.
The Māori won the most recent clash, and lock Zach Gallagher said they would love to beat Scotland again and claim another famous victory over the world no.7 ranked side.
"Being an inspiration for the younger generation is what we're about. How we do that is through winning and putting in some performances that we're really proud of.
"We're a performance-based team at the end of the day and that's what we're really keen on doing this weekend."
Gallagher said the Māori All Blacks are happy to be home.
"We're meeting [Scotland] for the first time in 25 years, and while Japan was really special and a great place to play, it's awesome to be back in front of our home crowd in Aotearoa.
"Playing the number seven team in the world will be a great challenge for us. We're really excited about this weekend and also playing a double-header after the Black Ferns teams as well."
The Māori All Blacks have a good record against Six Nations teams. They have won nine of 14 matches, with the most recent victory a 32-17 triumph over Ireland in 2022 in Hamilton.
23-year-old Gallagher, who played for the Hurricanes this year but is headed to a yet to be revealed team for 2026, believes this weekend's clash will be a bruising affair.
"They're (Scotland) a quality team. They're number seven in the world for a reason. We know what they'll be about. Some big physical players and a well structured teams. A lot of emphasis on set piece. We'll have to front up at the collision for sure. It'll be a great battle.
"For us, nailing the set piece will probably be first and foremost. And then as always with Māori rugby, try and play some exciting footy.
"Hopefully it's a free flowing game and we're able to let our backs run free."
Zach Gallagher and Kershaw Sykes-Martin during Maori All Blacks training. Photo: Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz
Gallagher made his Māori All Blacks debut in last weekend's win over the Japan XV and he said it was a wonderful moment.
"It was my first time playing for the Māori All Blacks and my first time playing rugby in Japan. It was awesome to experience both in the one go."
Of the iwi Te Ātiawa, Gallagher is loving his time with the team.
"It's been really, really special. It's been awesome learning more about the team and what it means to a lot of people.
"I've been educating myself throughout the week around the history of the team and the players and the management that have gone before me. To be a small part of history in this team is pretty special. It means a lot to myself personally and a lot to my family, and to be able to represent Māori in the community and wear the jersey is pretty amazing."
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