It's about playing hard, playing well

Jono Gibbes, who leads the team against the Lions in Hamilton tonight, is carrying on a proud tradition of Maori rugby.

Captain Jono Gibbes breaks into a broad grin when asked what it means to play for the New Zealand Maori.

The strapping flanker's smiling eyes speak of passion, even before his mouth begins to struggle to find the words.

He slips into the familiar cliche of the "team being like a family" yet today talk of whanau is genuine.

"First and foremost it's about representing family, those who have come before. That is why I am in the team, because of my Maori ancestry and background. I am representing my ancestors."

And for the Tainui tribal member, from Raukawa's Tukorehe in Otaki and named Tainui's senior sportsman of the year last year, tonight's match will be a celebration of Maori flair on the rugby field.

"Maori rugby is not win-ugly [win at any cost]. You don't have to play it safe and win by one point. Maori rugby is about giving it a crack, having a go, showing skills and backing each other."

And he continues a strong legacy of dual New Zealand Maori and All Black players who have captained a team seen by most tourists as another test side.

"There is a legacy around Maori rugby. It is about playing hard, and doing well."

He quotes a speaker who this week welcomed the squad to Ngaruawahia and Turangawaewae, the home marae of Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

"If you win, win well, if you lose, lose well. That is what Maori rugby is all about.

"I have fond memories as a kid of New Zealand Maori player hooker Hika Reid, chasing the rugby ball around like a madman, and others like Jamie Joseph and former captain Aaran Pene."

Gibbes has no enthusiasm for criticism that the team are stealing the limelight and momentum from the country's national squad - the All Blacks.

"I rate my debut for the All Blacks as the highlight of my career, but this game is up there, as is being able to play in the Waikato club finals with my brother in his final year."

He suggests the team complement the Lions tour and provide a platform for New Zealand's unique indigenous culture to celebrate their passion for rugby.

"This is part of New Zealand rugby's tradition - there will always be a place for Maori rugby."

Gibbes cracks into the familiar beam at mention of the camaraderie and good humour enjoyed by the squad off the field.

"A big part of being in this team is off the field - sitting in someone's room and having a yarn, with the guitars going. After the Fiji game we had a bit of a kava session. Someone pulled out the guitars - that's what it's all about."

Tonight there will be a sense of familiarity for Gibbes when he leads the squad on to his home pitch and full house at Waikato Stadium.

"It will be huge. I have some pretty special memories of rugby on that field."

Proud Record

In the past decade New Zealand Maori have won 22 of their last 26 games, including victories over England, Argentina, Scotland and Fiji.

Although they have never beaten the Lions they have come close, with a nine-point loss in 1971 their widest losing margin.

1930: lost 13-19, 1950: 9-14, 1959: 6-12, 1966: 14-16, 1971: 12-23, 1977 19-22, 1993: 20-24.

Maori make up 15 per cent of New Zealand's population but 22 per cent of the country's amateur rugby players and 34 per cent of its professional players.