Rugby World Cup 2011 Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, in New Zealand.
This video is property of Television New Zealand - www.tvnz.co.nz

The Call (0:35)
A traditional Māori welcome, delivered by Precious Clark.
The prayer is to the chiefs and champions of Aotearoa, who sound their trumpets to gather the nation's people together, before extending the call to the rest of the world.

The Journey (4:13)
The games open in Auckland, known as the city of sails.
This sequence symbolises peoples coming over the oceans to New Zealand.

The Challenge (8:38)
A haka by Te Matarae I Orehu - National Kapahaka Champions 2011 for Te Matatini O Te Ra (see: www.maoritelevision.com).

The Battlefield (11:03)
Thematic of back yard rugby, commonplace in New Zealand.
I want to be that boy!

The Prize (15:28)
Recognising rugby greats, featuring Jonah Lomu.

The Anthem (17:19)
The RWC anthem "World in Union," sung in unique Pacific style.
Sung by Ria Hall and Evander Folau.

The Rugby World Cup Haka (21:16)

Official Opening (21:57)

Fireworks finale (23:17)
The largest pyrotechnics display to date in New Zealand, orchestrated from locations across the city.