Is there anything more epic than watching Aotearoa being represented on the world stage?
The Maori All Blacks are currently over in Tokyo for a test series against Japan's rugby union team and the boys have been embraced with open arms in the most special way.
On arrival to the country, the team was not only greeted by huge crowds of fans but also a special haka from a group of Japanese tamariki who attend Kashiwa Rugby School. In a video posted to Instagram, the Maori All Blacks were seen watching with respect and so much aroha.
The kids' haka was absolutely unreal - they had so much mana for such young players from a totally different culture.
Of course, the ABS had to reply with their own haka, which the kids would have absolutely frothed.
Many were moved by the footage, with one commenter mentioning the young'uns' "commitment and intensity", which showed "respect to the All Blacks and Maori culture".
Game one kicked off on the 29th of June, with the Maori All Blacks winning 36-10! LESHGOOOOO.
In between games, the team trained with local tamariki from Kashiwanoha and they gave the lads a good run for their money.
In an Instagram video captioned 'The greatest afternoon with some awesome little rugby players 🫶', the lads and the kids can be seen practicing their passes, tackles and kicks on the field. After training, both sides bowed to each other as a sign of respect in Japanese culture.
Maori AB's player Taylor Cahil said he was excited to "hang out with them" in hopes of inspiring "a future generation of rugby players."
Ka pai fellas! Stoked to see the boys going global, and we reckon they've got a damn good shot at bringing home that trophy.
