The Bay of Plenty Steamers engine room continues to reap the rewards of strong performances up front with two players named in the Maori All Blacks squad.

Steamers hooker Joe Royal and prop Mike Kainga have been included in coach Colin Cooper's side, featuring 11 new caps, to take on Japan in two tests next month.

Caption: Bay of Plenty Steamers Mike Kainga against Otago at ASB Baypark. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

For Royal it is his second straight year in the side after touring Canada and the United States with fellow front-rower Kane Hames in 2013, while Kainga is one of the fresh new faces.

Royal has also been in try-scoring form during this season's ITM Cup, dotting down five times, with the pair forming part of a solid tight five for the Steamers.

The Maori All Blacks will be captained by Chiefs midfield Charlie Ngatai, with Tasman loose forward Shane Christie as vice-captain.

Cooper is pleased with the mix of youth and experience in the 2014 squad, which includes 16 players who took part in last year's North American Tour.

He touches on the exciting potential players such as Joe Webber and Marty McKenzie hold, along with the very experienced older hands of Shane Christie and Southland loose forward Elliot Dixon.

He says: 'The team has a proud legacy and an enviable record against national teams, so I am sure all 27 players will be working hard to ensure this tour honours that legacy.

'We are very conscious that this team plays an important role in New Zealand Rugby's high performance strategy so our selections are very much guided by that.

'We certainly see this tour as a valuable opportunity for players to show what they can do on the international stage.

'This tour will have its challenges – we know Japan will be keen to make the most of the two matches as it builds for Rugby World Cup 2015 and its recent successes show they cannot be taken lightly.”

Ngatai, 24, succeeds Tim Bateman as captain, who is now playing offshore.

'This is a wonderful honour for Charlie, who has shown great maturity as a young player and certainly leads by example,” adds Cooper.

'He knows the team culture well and I am sure he will equip himself well in this important role.”

Ngatai, who has played for the Maori All Blacks on the past two tours, says he is excited to lead the side.

He says: 'We have a proud legacy and I am determined to do my best to ensure we honour the great teams and players that have gone before us during the three matches next month.”

While New Zealand Rugby has yet to receive official confirmation, the planned match in Singapore against the Asia Pacific Dragons on November 15, will not proceed due to pitch issues at the National Stadium.

The team plays Japan on November 1 at Noevair Stadium, Kobe, and on November 8 at Prince Chichibu Stadium, Tokyo.