July 19, 2019
Second chance for ‘koretake’ commentators
The Māori All Blacks get a chance to redeem themselves tomorrow when they take the field in Rotorua for the return match against Fiji, and Tāmaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare gets another chance to refresh his commentating skills.
He says the Māori team was asleep for the first half in Suva, though it's also known that if Fiji plays the game like it plays sevens rugby and the passes stick, it can beat any team in world rugby.
He says it was fantastic to be behind the mic again with Te Arahi Maipi making the calls.
"To be able to describe and articulate and enjoy myself in te reo Māori is always a bonus. We'e already got some feedback from those who tuned in to the commentary and it has all been very positive, and sadly some of the feedback is 'Now we know what the word 'koretake' means,'" Mr Henare says.
Māori Language Week coincides with the start of the Rugby World Cup, so he hopes there could be Māori commentaries on some of the games.
There are five changes for the New Zealand Māori team going into the game tomorrow.
Coach Clayton McMillan has kept the same 23-man line up, but All Blacks hopefuls Akira Ioane and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will need to come off the bench.
Whetukamokamo Douglas replaces Iaone at No 8 in the starting line-up.
Lock Pari Pari Parkinson also starts, with Isaia Walker-Leawere in reserve.
Bryn Hall and Alex Nankivell also earned starts for their Suva performances.
Fletcher Smith drops from fullback to the bench, with Shaun Stevenson shifting from wing to the No 15 jersey, and Jordan Hyland coming onto the flank.
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