It was more a Night at the Proms than a dour ceremony when the England rugby team was welcomed by hundreds of vocal supporters in the Dunedin Town Hall yesterday.
A well received haka powhiri was returned in kind with an impassioned version of Swing Low Sweet Chariot, to the delight of the large audience - many of whom wore and waved the colours of their home country.
The more than 50 England players and support crew, watched, filmed and clapped to Scottish dancing and a Chinese Lion dance, in a nod to the city's heritage.
England rugby coach and former World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson said the tournament started for England with its arrival in Dunedin, with its "incredibly impressive" new stadium.
"Thanks a lot for that welcome - an extraordinary warm welcome. I think you took our breath away to come in here and see so many people."
During their first two days in the city, players had worn sunglasses and sunscreen rather than the thermals they had packed.
The vocal English supporters were singled out by British High Commissioner Victoria Treadell, who joked, "Please don't get into trouble, - but if you do ... the British High Commission is here to help you."
England captain Lewis Moody began his speech with a "kia ora" and apologised to local dignitaries for "dropping a few headbutts in there while attempting a hongi".
"But rugby is a contact sport, so I am sure it will be fine" He said it was humbling to be in such a rugby town, and was looking forward to Saturday's encounter with Argentina.
