The All Blacks commenced the Haka and the Tongans responded with the Sipi tau, as 50,000 spectators went berserk and the stadium roared with excitement, as the teams advanced on each other.
The teams met again in 2011.
“The same two teams opened the World Cup in Auckland four years ago. But on that occasion the All Blacks let the Tongan’s perform their Sipi Tau before Piri Weepu then led a stirring rendition of the Ka Mate haka,” said the New Zealand Herald.
This year Ma’a Nonu returns to the starting line-up to become the sixth All Black to make his 100th career test appearance, behind Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Dan Carter and Mils Muliaina.
Nonu will start alongside Conrad Smith in a 59th test.
Sam Whitelock and Jerome Kaino will be making a fourth start at Rugby World Cup 2015.
