The British and Irish Lions squad will witness a haka where Maori chiefs first signed New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi.
There will be a traditional powhiri, or welcome, for the visitors at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland on June 4, the day after the first match against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei.
The welcome will begin in front of the ceremonial war canoe Ngatokimatawhaorua and conclude at Te Whare Runanga, the meeting house.
It includes a three-part challenge with each kaiwero, or challenger, presenting a taki (offering) on the ground in front of three selected Lions representatives.
This will be followed by a karanga, or call of welcome, and haka.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds chief executive Greg McManus said he was delighted the team had accepted the invitation.
“It will be an honour to have the British and Irish Lions at the birthplace of the nation,” he said.
“There could be no more appropriate place to welcome the team and their supporters to our shores as they embark on their six-week tour of New Zealand.”
General manager of the series, Nigel Cass, said as well as welcoming the team, New Zealand Rugby was also very grateful to Waitangi Treaty Grounds for opening the event to visiting fans and locals.
“It will make for a truly incredible atmosphere and is set to be a highlight of the series,” he said.
More information on attending the welcome will be announced prior to the arrival of the Lions.
likkewaan
Guest
Paul Tito..what a legend!
Uncle Eric
Guest
Yes, what has happened to Thompson? Can't find anything about his absence anywhere.
Old Bugger
Guest
I dunno but, he and his bro', identify themselves - you are excused mate.
AndyS
Guest
As white as Paul Tito? :) http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/maori-no5-paul-tito-during-the-rugby-match-between-nz-maori-and-tonga-picture-id55807649
likkewaan
Guest
Is Damian McKenzie Maori. Excuse my ignorance, but he looks white as snow.
Michaelj
Guest
....instead of beer in the dressing room they now have latte and after dinner liqueurs.
Michaelj
Guest
Maybe the case ten years ago, but now even the Maori are more concerned to maintain their designer hairstyles and epicures.
taylorman
Guest
They may be, though there's also every likelihood that the ABs will be much better than the 05 team, and there's more evidence around to support that.
Derm
Roar Guru
The redcoats?
Old Bugger
Guest
Dammit......who's next, off the conveyor belt??
Sylvester
Guest
Whetu Douglas is in Italy. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/91757965/whetu-douglas-roped-in-for-italian-job-as-he-loses-battle-to-stay-with-crusaders
piru
Roar Rookie
Well, the redcoats should know by now what to expect when they take on the Maori
Highlander
Guest
Thompson not on the injured list
Highlander
Guest
I thought Thompson was fit, but would have started him over Faddes at the weekend, Thompson was very good early season games - he may be out, don't know, young Waldron going to be very good soon too think
Old Bugger
Guest
Cheers HL and fingers x-ed he is - Maori look to be shy of experienced hookers. My other concern is that the Chiefs play the BILs 3 days later and, the number of Chiefs I've chosen, for this team. Btw, is Thompson injured?? If he is then Tei Waldron, could slot in.
Highlander
Guest
Ash Dixon looking good to be back from injury I hear, that's your extra hooker and he is incumbent captain I think
Old Bugger
Guest
Just out of interest, I thought I'd start the conversation with having first crack at a potential Maori side against the BILs subject to the following: (a) Who will be released from AB duty (b) Which players may/may not identify themselves as Maori players (c) Current injuries Anyway here goes: LH: K Hames (Chiefs) Hk: H Elliott (Chiefs) TH: C Eves (Canes) Lk: T Franklin (H'Lander) Lk: J Wheeler (H'Lander) BF: L Messam (Chiefs) OF: E Dixon (H'Lander) No8: W Douglas (Saders) HB: TKB (Chiefs) FH: R Mounga (Saders) IC: C Ngatai (Chiefs) OC: Proctor (Canes) - sorry, forgot his first name LW: J Lowe (Chiefs) RW: R Stevenson (Chiefs) FB: D McKenzie (Chiefs) Reserves: LH: B May (Canes) Hk: ?? TH: S Kautai (Chiefs) - my bolter Lk: ?? LF: ?? HB: T Tahuriorangi (Canes) FH: O Black (Canes) IC/OC: R Thompson (H'Landers) OB/FB: M Banks (H'Landers) Feel free to comment.
System of a Downey Jr
Roar Rookie
They didn't deal to them in 2005. Lions got dealt by NZ Maori on the occasion. But I agree I think the Lions will win that encounter this time. I'm expecting this Lions side to be much stronger than 2005's team.
JimmyB
Guest
Nice.
taylorman
Guest
I think the Lions will deal to the Maori side. For one, they always do. For another, it's a test rehearsal. Maori side is a last minute patch up side in the same way the Lions are. Lions by 12.