Charlie Ngatai (above) inherits the captaincy from Tim Bateman © Getty Images

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Centre Charlie Ngatai will captain the Maori All Blacks on a shortened two-match tour to Japan after a game scheduled for Singapore was cancelled. Ngatai will lead the 27-man squad announced on Tuesday by his Taranaki provincial coach Colin Cooper.

They play internationals against world No.11 Japan in Kobe on November 1 and in Tokyo a week later but a game against the Asia Pacific Dragons set down for November 15 at Singapore's National Stadium has been called off. NZR general manager planning and operations Nigel Cass says the venue's pitch condition was deemed unsafe and the hosts couldn't provide an assurance it would be playable.

"We feel somewhat let down that this has happened at this late stage," Cass said. "We think Singapore has huge potential for rugby and we remain very keen to play our part in developing the game there."

The Dragons side was to comprise players drawn from Asia and Polynesia and be coached by former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga.

Cooper has included 11 newcomers, with the other 16 players having all toured the North America last year. That includes Ngatai, who is on his third tour and inherits the captaincy from Japan-domiciled back Tim Bateman.

Ten of the tourists are involved in the NPC final between Taranaki and Tasman in New Plymouth on Saturday. That includes Tasman forward Joe Wheeler, who is one of just two specialist locks named alongside Otago's Tom Franklin. Taranaki No.8 Blade Thomson has previously played at lock for the Hurricanes and is expected to provide cover.

Players not considered because of injury are hooker Hika Elliott, prop Ben Afeaki and flanker Luke Braid.

Cooper is anxious the Maori All Blacks preserve their winning run of 16 games, dating back to a loss to England in 2003. "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," he said.

Maori All Blacks

Backs: Robbie Robinson, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Joe Webber, Kurt Baker, Matt Proctor, James Lowe, Charlie Ngatai, Jason Emery, Ihaia West, Marty McKenzie, Jamison Gibson-Park, Chris Smylie

Forwards: Blade Thomson, Liam Squire, Elliot Dixon, Shane Christie, Sean Polwart, Dan Pryor, Tom Franklin, Joe Wheeler, Chris Eves, Mike Kainga, Nick Barrett, Brendon Edmonds, Joe Royal, Ash Dixon, Codie Taylor