Test's anthem goes bilingual

The national anthem, God Defend New Zealand, will be sung in Maori and English at a domestic rugby test match for the first time when the All Blacks play Tonga at North Harbour Stadium tonight.

The rugby union agreed this year to have the first verses of the Maori and English versions - with the Maori verse sung first - for all domestic tests. This follows the lead of the Silver Ferns netball team.

The anthem was sung only in English at rugby tests until the All Black match against England at last year's World Cup.

Maori songwriter Hinewehi Mohi surprised New Zealand fans - and the players - at Twickenham when she sang the anthem in Maori.

Her action caused controversy in New Zealand, and the team requested she sing the English version in their semifinal against France because they were embarrassed at not knowing the Maori version.

The Government has since encouraged all sporting bodies to sing the anthem in Maori and English.

Samoan singer Lupe Marriner will perform the New Zealand and Tongan anthems at North Harbour Stadium.

- NZPA