In a sign of respect, skipper John Smit picked up an object called the teka which signalled that the team accepted the challenge and that they came in peace
The Springboks received a resounding Maori welcome on Monday at the Wellington Waterfront that marked the official start of Rugby World Cup festivities in New Zealand’s capital.
In a sign of respect, skipper John Smit picked up an object called the teka which signalled that the team accepted the challenge and that they came in peace.
“Thank you very much, it has been overwhelming, both leaving South Africa and arriving here in New Zealand,” said Smit.
“The bulk of the team have been thankful for the way we have been received and we will need to embrace Wellington as our home for the next two or three weeks and hopefully come back here in a few weeks time (for the quarterfinals).”
Proceedings started with the defending champions marching from their hotel in the city centre where they were greeted by a small group of South Africans fans.
Once they reached the picturesque waterfront the first thing they heard was the sound of paddlers doing a traditional Waka or water Haka.
“It has been an incredible journey and it doesn’t matter whether it is your first, second or third World Cup it is the last one you would like to remember most of all."
Smit highlighted that it was his fourth trip to Wellington this year and joked that he probably knew his New Zealand cell phone number better than the one he uses at home.
The team also received their official Rugby World Cup caps while they chose the South African national anthem as their song of choice – a Maori tradition – after listening to a kaikorero welcome creed.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers thanked the delegates for their hospitality.
“To Wellington, we are grateful for you guys to have us,” said De Villiers.
“It is my forth year as the South African coach and my forth year that I’ve come here and I am already an honorary Maori. But I have an honorary citizenship of Wellington too so I will look after our city the best that I can.”
De Villiers also gave his charges a few word of encouragement.
“To my boys, there are 50 million people in our hearts and a great responsibility that comes with it in what may be the greatest event of our lives.”
Resounding Maori welcome for Springboks
In a sign of respect, skipper John Smit picked up an object called the teka which signalled that the team accepted the challenge and that they came in peace
The Springboks received a resounding Maori welcome on Monday at the Wellington Waterfront that marked the official start of Rugby World Cup festivities in New Zealand’s capital.
In a sign of respect, skipper John Smit picked up an object called the teka which signalled that the team accepted the challenge and that they came in peace.
“Thank you very much, it has been overwhelming, both leaving South Africa and arriving here in New Zealand,” said Smit.
“The bulk of the team have been thankful for the way we have been received and we will need to embrace Wellington as our home for the next two or three weeks and hopefully come back here in a few weeks time (for the quarterfinals).”
Proceedings started with the defending champions marching from their hotel in the city centre where they were greeted by a small group of South Africans fans.
Once they reached the picturesque waterfront the first thing they heard was the sound of paddlers doing a traditional Waka or water Haka.
“It has been an incredible journey and it doesn’t matter whether it is your first, second or third World Cup it is the last one you would like to remember most of all."
Smit highlighted that it was his fourth trip to Wellington this year and joked that he probably knew his New Zealand cell phone number better than the one he uses at home.
The team also received their official Rugby World Cup caps while they chose the South African national anthem as their song of choice – a Maori tradition – after listening to a kaikorero welcome creed.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers thanked the delegates for their hospitality.
“To Wellington, we are grateful for you guys to have us,” said De Villiers.
“It is my forth year as the South African coach and my forth year that I’ve come here and I am already an honorary Maori. But I have an honorary citizenship of Wellington too so I will look after our city the best that I can.”
De Villiers also gave his charges a few word of encouragement.
“To my boys, there are 50 million people in our hearts and a great responsibility that comes with it in what may be the greatest event of our lives.”
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