Maori Rugby celebrates - Beneath the Maori Moon

The great niece of rugby icon George Nepia last night serenaded legends of the game at Eden Park, with the help of her late uncle.

The moment capped a night where a 1st XV of Maori greats were named to launch a history of Maori rugby since the 1860s.

The title of the book, Beneath the Maori Moon, by Malcolm Mulholland, was taken from a song the fullback laid down in the 1930s.

Nepia's great-niece Hinewehi Mohi accompanied a recording of the great man, who has been dead for 22 years.

Being able to sing with her uncle was something quite special, she said.

"He was a lovely old geezer. He had a great voice, beautiful and smooth. I remember him when I was little, him coming and singing around the table with my grandfather. All I've got to go by is a recording my grandmother made on a dinky old tape recorder. I've used a bit of that recording."

Former coach Matt Te Pou, with Colin Meads, Keith Quinn and others selected the premier team. Nepia was always going to be a shoo-in, he said.

"He was the guy who broke through and was acknowledged as world class. He had big defence and he could attack. He personified the flair that Maori rugby is known for."

The team: George Nepia, John Timu, Rico Gear, Johnny Smith, Bill Osborne, Carlos Spencer, Sid Going, Zinzan Brooke, Wayne "Buck" Shelford (captain), Waka Nathan, Robin Brooke, Tiny Hill, Carl Hayman, Hika Reid, Steve McDowell.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• John Timu
• Rico Gear
• Johnny Smith
• Bill Osborne
• Carlos Spencer
• Sid Going
• Zinzan Brooke
• Waka Nathan
• Robin Brooke
• Tiny Hill
• Carl Hayman
• Hika Reid
• Steve McDowell.

[korohemi]

@oillioYT You are only slightly correct, it was indeed recorded by the Mormon church in 1944, but it was not the first song recorded in New Zealand, at least not the first one written by a Maori, that song was Blue Smoke by Pixie Williams and Ruru Karaitiana

[KiwiAzBrah]

WTF WHERES THE AUDIO OF GEORGE NEPIA TALKING???

[oillioYT]

I believe this song was recorded by Mormon Church members in the 1940s. Does anyone know? Also was it the first song recorded in NZ?

[TheAlisonstyles]

This song is VERY dear to me as it was sung by Mark Williams at our wedding 17 years ago. Mark sang in Maori, then English...all alone, with the water behind him. He remembered his grandmother used to sing it, and knew I wanted the Kiwi touch even though living in Sydney. I walked down the stairs (my aisle) to For The Life Of Me (Prince Tui) also. Thank you for putting this on here, although it's a shame the full song can't be heard. Fabulous footage and commentary :)

[ziontipene8]

nice

[Damez76]

I thought I would never hear this rendition of the song again in my life, short of getting a copy of the footage from MTS. It's a nice piece you've put up here, thanks very much. Since I was working on the broadcast from the Hall of Legends that night, I'm particularly proud of this little snippet. Thanks again.