Rotorua high schools' haka to open Cup matches

If you're going to Rotorua's Rugby World Cup matches, then be sure to get there early as the entertainment will be just as exciting as the match.

Rotorua Boys' High School acting principal Fred Whata said students had been rehearsing for weeks to make sure they added value to the World Cup experience and spectators would not want to miss out on the pre-match entertainment.

Te Raukura, the Rotorua Boys' High School and Rotorua Girls' High School kapa haka group, and the Rotorua Boys' High School Stage Challenge finals team will be among the entertainment at all three games.

About 10 members of Te Raukura will also perform at the opening ceremony at Eden Park on Friday night, Mr Whata said.

He said it was exciting for the students to be involved.

"We're proud and privileged," he said.

"People should get there as soon as the gates open as you don't want to miss out. There will be World Cup fever in the air. They've been practising all the time, practice is our middle name. They want to be the best they can be and add value to the tournament."

It will be the Pasifika group that takes to the field for the Fiji versus Namibia, Samoa versus Namibia and Ireland versus Russia matches. Mr Whata said this group had members from a range of island nations.

"It's good that the World Cup entertainment can embrace people of all ages, races and creeds," Mr Whata said.

"The Stage Challenge team recently made the national finals and their choreography is dedicated to the Rugby World Cup.

"They're all excited and wanting to make a contribution to the tournament."

Rotorua Girls' High School principal Annette Joyce said it was huge for the school.

"They're an outstanding team, it's marvellous and we're proud of them," she said.

"The Pasifika girls are really thrilled, they've been practising really hard. "