All Blacks get hard word on anthem - 'sing it!'

The ABs will have to learn more phrases than just 'full credit to the opposition'.

As well as preparing for scrums and lineouts, the All Blacks have a bit of extra tuition ahead of them before tomorrow night's Test against Italy.

But this time the assistance is more likely come from the local school of music, rather than a sports academy.

Coach Graham Henry has given the hard word to his charges today that they are to sing the National anthem in full voice.

On Newstalk ZB he told Mike Hosking this morning he was confident the message would get through.

"I think the word'll get through. They value New Zealand immensely these guys, they play their heart and soul out for the country."

Henry said he had given his team the hard word to sing the anthem in full voice.

And "they will [sing]," he said.

Debate has raged on talkback radio ever since the ABs were seen to be silent during recent performances, or to just mumble the words occasionally.

To some viewers, a failure to sing one's national anthem is paramount to treason; to others, it's the rugby that matters, not the peripheral things.

Extra pressure has come on the team in the past two weeks because of the stark contrast between the New Zealand and French anthems.

While 'God Defend New Zealand' lumbers stoically on, the 'Marseillaise' positively bounces along. The sight of the tourists in red, white and blue singing themselves hoarse with enthusiasm and patriotic pride is inarguably a more stirring vision than a row of men in black shuffling their feet, lips pursed shut.

A closer look at the lyrics reveals that our anthem implores God to come to our rescue; whilst the French song is an inspirational rallying cry to the people to take action.

Observers have noticed that many of the All Blacks "do ok" at the English version of the lyrics, but fall over completely when the verses in Maori are sung.

GOD DEFEND NEW ZEALAND

English Version

God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific's triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.

Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.

Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.

Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our free land.
From dishonour and from shame,
Guard our country's spotless name,
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.

May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our free land.
Guide her in the nations' van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.

Maori Version

E Ihowa Atua,
O nga iwi matou ra
Ata whakarangona;
Me aroha noa
Kia hua ko te pai;
Kia tau to atawhai;
Manaakitia mai
Aotearoa

Ona mano tangata
Kiri whero, kiri ma,
Iwi Maori, Pakeha,
Rupeke katoa,
Nei ka tono ko nga he
Mau e whakaahu ke,
Kia ora marire
Aotearoa

Tona mana kia tu!
Tona kaha kia u;
Tona rongo hei paku
Ki te ao katoa
Aua rawa nga whawhai
Nga tutu e tata mai;
Kia tupu nui ai
Aotearoa

Waiho tona takiwa
Ko te ao marama;
Kia whiti tona ra
Taiawhio noa.
Ko te hae me te ngangau
Meinga kia kore kau;
Waiho i te rongo mau
Aotearoa

Tona pai me toitu
Tika rawa, pono pu;
Tina noho, tana tu;
Iwi no Ihowa.
Kaua mona whakama;
Kia hau te ingoa;
Kia tu hei tauira;
Aotearoa.

Sound clip of Frankie Stevens singing the national anthem.
Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage website.

- NZHERALD STAFF