Thrills as rugby sides roll in

The Tongan rugby team was officially welcomed to the city last night.

The Ikale Tahi, or Sea Eagles, were an instant hit with the ardent supporters gathered at The Hub - the new art gallery/information centre and bus terminal at the Town Basin - to catch a glimpse of the team that put up an impressive fight against the All Blacks on Friday.

Whangarei mayor Morris Cutforth, councillors, Labour list MP Kelvin Davis and Northland Rugby Union officials attended the event which started about 7pm.

A kapa haka group from Glenbervie School performed between the official speeches. Reverend Epeli Taungapeau offered a Tongan prayer because he said that was the language of the angels.

Mr Cutforth joked that he could not find a red tie so he put on a red coat. He encouraged players and officials to visit the new art gallery and explore Whangarei's scenic beauty between the games: "We're expecting you to win, so roll over those Canadians and Japanese. We look forward to you guys getting stuck into it."

Mr Cutforth said if the cup was judged on enthusiasm, Tonga would be in the final and if it was judged on singing, the team would be the winner.

Tongan captain Finau Maka later presented Mr Cutforth with a set of red ties and the mayor said he would wear one during the Tonga vs Canada match.

A Tongan team representative thanked the mayor for the warm welcome and the crowd for supporting them.

Earlier, their opposition, the Canadian team, was welcomed by Year 5 and 6 students of Whangarei Primary School at the Settlers' Hotel. The team camped in the Bay of Islands for just over a week before arriving in Whangarei yesterday.

Whangarei Primary School principal Rob Soar gave the players a mini rugby ball to sign.

He said since learning that they would perform the welcoming ceremony, the students had not stopped beaming and had practised hard.