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WATCH: Lions belt out Welsh hymn after receiving traditional Maori welcome

The British and Irish Lions are welcomed to Auckland
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The British and Irish Lions were welcomed to New Zealand in style on Wednesday and came up with a fine way to show their appreciation.

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Upon arriving at Auckland International Airport, Warren Gatland’s side received a powhiri – a traditional Maori welcome ceremony.

In response, the Lions opted to belt out ‘Calon Lan’ – a stirring hymn often heard ahead of Wales Test matches – with hooker Ken Owens leading the way.

Judging by a subsequent tweet sent by full-back Leigh Halfpenny, the Lions had been practicing. Either way, it all added up to a wonderful spectacle.

https://twitter.com/lionsofficial/status/869725757727223808

 

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EvilMockingJay 1 hour ago
All Blacks dependency on Cam Roigard means he should sit out Super Rugby

There is a big difference between Super Rugby and Top14. That’s why one of them is the best championship while the over is clearly not. Top14 is longer, harder, and protecting players is a necessity, even without a WC year. Top14 players are playing too much. Far too much. Hell, Top14 (more intense than others championships and longer), useless ChCups we tend to win at en heavy price (winning both Top14 and ChCup is a nightmare), November/Summer series, 6 Nations we tend to win too, final phases of top14… Ain't the case in Super Rugby. + Not playing for a long time is also having negative consequences. It's not because France did what they did recently that it’s useful for other nations to follow. We did that because in OUR situation it’s beneficial to do so. It doesn’t mean everyone on the planet is in the same situation. Of course Roigard should be cautious (like everyone). And his club should take care of him (idk but burning an international player seems quite stupid, and I bet the Canes are not). But stop playing for a while ? That’s more than stupid.

PS : one exemple in France, Louis Bielle Biarrey. He wants to play the Olympics and the World Cup. He signed again this summer. That was difficult. I bet that in the negociations it was said he would not be playing too much top14 or CC to compete both RWC and Olympics. Meaning Union Bordeaux Bègles will not have one of their best weapons for most of this season. Not that he will not play at all…



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