First Maori matches considered catalyst for New Zealand game

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand is hosting its first senior matches between Maori sides this weekend with organisers hoping to tap indigenous talent and drive an increase in playing numbers for the nation's top summer sport.

While names like Nepia and Weepu have helped New Zealand's All Blacks dominate world rugby, Maori, who comprise about 15 percent of the country's 4.5 million people, have played a lesser role in international cricket, with Adam Parore widely considered the first to play a test.