In making five changes from the side that defeated Fiji last Friday in Suva, the New Zealand Maori side still includes nine current All Blacks in their starting XV and three more on the bench for Saturday's clash with the Lions at Hamilton.

One of those on the bench is none other than Carlos Spencer who rugby folk on this side of the world would have seen destroying England a week ago at Twickenham.

Another player that Lions supporters will be familiar with is blind side flanker, replacement, Wayne Ormond who led the Bay of Plenty so well on Saturday.

New Zealand Maori: ( v Lions, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, Saturday) Leon MacDonald; Rico Gear, Rua Tipoki, Luke McAlister, Caleb Ralph; David Hill, Piri Weepu; Angus MacDonald, Marty Holah, Jono Gibbes (capt);Sean Hohneck, Ross Filipo; Carl Hayman, Corey Flynn, Deacon Manu. Replacements: Scott Linklater, Greg Feek, Daniel Braid, Wayne Ormond, Craig McGrath, Carlos Spencer, Neil Brew.