Just 12 years ago, the Maori All Blacks, led by coach Matt Te Pou, toppled the Lions in Hamilton in what would be their first victory over the Northerners in eight attempts.
During Te Pou's reign, he won 35 out of 40 games including victories over the British and Irish Lions, England, Ireland, Scotland, Argentina, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
The Maori All Blacks exhibition showcases the history of Maori rugby dating back to 1888. Photo / Heath Moore
Te Pou summed it up best when he said: "We as Maori already grabbed hold of this game. The game was in the maraes, in the tribal system. Maoridom took to the game. It was part of our culture. Our people are extremely proud to be a Maori All Blacks.
"There is a collectiveness about it. I believe that the Maori battalion during the war and the NZ Maori All Blacks are the only two groups than can unite all Iwi across the country together.
"Because they are fiercely independent it's hard for any leader to pull them together, but come Saturday when the team comes together, we'll all be behind them."
New Zealanders know the history of the black jersey but what has been neglected, until now, is the proud and rich history and journey of the Maori jersey.
While walking through the exhibition, a swarm of school children and local Maori filled the room. Pointing, smiling and soaking every last drop of knowledge up.
Then the Maori All Blacks team showed up. I stood back and watched as Nehe Milner-Skudder studied intently the Maori's history against the Lions. As teammates moved from section to section, Milner-Skudder was still there absorbing the information.
Members of the Maori All Blacks take in the exhibition at the Rotorua Events Centre in Rotorua. Photo / Heath Moore
On showcase is history from the original Native team of 1888, the first Maori and Lions clash of 1930, the threat of league, historical tours of Europe as well as the greatest Maori All Blacks XV of all time.
From iconic players like Buck Shelford and George Nepia to the coaches that inspired such as Te Pou, the longest serving Maori All Blacks coach, the exhibition is a look into the history and influence Maori have had on New Zealand's national game.
The exhibition is a must for all New Zealand rugby fans. As Te Pou says, the power of the Maori All Blacks to unite a nation together is something special.
While the Maori All Blacks have only beaten the Lions once in eight attempts, you get the feeling the Maori are on the verge of creating another inspiring chapter in their already successful history.
