The All Blacks lost against the French today because they lacked pride in themselves and their country, Mauri Pacific Leader Tau Henare said today.

"You can put it down to something as simple as the anthem not being sung in Maori," he said. "You'd never get the French singing their anthem in English.

"The French were more passionate in their play today because it was more than just a football match on the line, but the pride of the country. The sort of pride you find wrapped up in culture and language.

"Their passion and pride was more evident today and this country can take some hard lessons from that."

Mr Henare said the French win was despite a so-so build up

"All the commentary leading up to the game predicted a landslide victory for the All Blacks.

"The same thing is happening here on the political spectrum. All the so-called minor players are being written off by the commentators alike and point to a Labour landslide.

"But it highlights that you can't take anything for granted especially in the Maori seats, and one or two of the general electorates, where our so-called experts are actually missing the mark," said Mr Henare.

"The French won on pride and passion alone. The country can win at this election on the same ingredients if it chooses to.

"National pride shouldn't be determined on whether the All Blacks win or lose. National pride should be determined by how Stoic the heart feels when its sense of nationhood is on display."

ENDS

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