Native Americans gave the Black Ferns a special welcome ahead of their clash against Canada on Saturday, 18 April. It was indeed a special scene as the fans performed the famous Haka, singing and dancing, while the Black Ferns looked on.
With smiles on their faces, some black ferns looked so emotional, sucking in the love they received. With some fans in Kansas City seeing the Black Ferns for the first time, it was a joyous moment. History was written, and the Black Ferns found a family they never expected in Kansas City.
Undoubtedly, the best women’s rugby teams in the world, alongside England, the clash between the Black Ferns and Canada is a tough one. Emotions will be high among the players and, mostly, among the fans, and they showed it well before the game. After the welcome presentation, a senior member of the group assured them that they have a family in America.
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“Nou mai, haero mai ki Kinsas City, we love you. You may be far from our kainga (home), but you have a home right here with us. We are your whanua (family),” the elder said.
BLACK FERNS THANK WELCOMING NEW ZEALANDERS AHEAD OF THEIR CANADA CLASH
With smiles on their faces, emotions ran high, hearts filled with joy and love. Captain Ruahei Demant took the stage and thanked the fans for the special welcome.
“On behalf of the Black Ferns, thank you to everyone from To Waka ora for welcoming us, not only as natives of this whenua, but as hearts and voices and family faces from home’ she said.
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“And what a beautiful welcome it is for us to arrive here so far from home, to hear, to see and feel a taste of home while we are on the other side of the world, and we hope that we will see you again at our game, when we take on Canada on Friday,” she finished.
NEW ZEALANDERS PRAISE THE NATIVE AMERICANS
After the Native Americans welcomed the Black Ferns in style, ahead of their match against Canada, some fans in New Zealand and worldwide loved it.
@Chantal Shorty Baker “🥹🥹🥹 how Lou can articulate aroha makes my heart burst”
@absoluteVaka “So grateful for our Toveys, Keys, Talis, Moes, Independence, MO Youth & so many more for keeping the culture ALIVE!! 🙏🏽🤙🏽🤞🏽🇳🇿”
@McLellan LJ “I’ve loved becoming a fan of the Black Ferns and your lovely culture as a result. Keep sharing these gifts with the world!”
@Julie Evans “Amazing! I am always brought to tears over these videos! Love them so much!”