Kia Ora! (Hello!)
Britain and Ireland’s rugby elite are currently in New Zealand taking part in the 2017 British and Irish Lions Tour. Although the squad has faced some criticism for their performance so far and some key players have been sent home with injuries, the competition will heat up over the next few weeks as the first of three test matches against New Zealand (the World’s No.1) looms. Before each match, players such as Wales’ Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny, England’s Owen Farrell and Ireland’s Conor Murray will have to witness the intimidating, world famous Haka (a Maori ceremonial war dance) performed by the All Blacks.
The language of the indigenous people of New Zealand, Maori has been one of the country’s official languages since 1987. A 2013 census showed that 150,000 New Zealanders were able to converse in Maori.
Given that Maori culture and language is an important part of the All Blacks’ identity, we’ve compiled a list of useful Maori words and phrases to help the boys and any supporters during the tour!
Mauri Vocab
Welcome! – Nau Mai!
The guests/visitors – Manuhiri
Rugby Union – Hutupaoro
Let’s go team! – Kia kaha e hoa ma!
Full time – Whakatupuke
Conversion – Whana topawha
Try – Tarai
Scrum – Kirimiti
Forward pass – Maka whakamua
Knock- on – Taka whakamua
Ruck – Ketuketu
Try line – Paepiro
Kick off – Timata
Wing – Paehau
Hooker – Kaitīkape
Lock – kaiwhitiki
Openside flanker – Takirahi poutaha
Blindside flanker – kuti poutaha
Forward – Pou mua
Back – Pou muri
Centre – Topapu
Wales – Wēra
Ireland – Aerana
Scotland – Kōtarana
England – Ingarani
The Lions – Kapa Raiana
Since their first meeting in 1904, The Lions and All Blacks have faced each other in 38 Test matches in 11 Tours, 10 of which the All Blacks have won with The Lions only winning once in 1971. Could this finally be The Lions’ year?
To follow The Lions’ progress, visit: https://www.lionsrugby.com/
