Read the text, using a dictionary if necessary

Rugby is the most popular sport in New Zealand: the country even has the world's first rugby museum! The game was played there for the first time in 1870. New Zealand's national rugby team, the All Blacks, are formidable force in international rugby and have a winning record against every international rugby team.

The team first competed internationally in 1884. They went to New South Wales, Australia, and played and won eight games!

The All Blacks got their name because they wear black shorts, shirts, socks and shoes. Their shirts have the sign of the silver fern, a native plant which is sacred to Maori.

Before a rugby match, the All Blacks do the "Ka mate haka", a Maori dance. A player of Maori origin starts the haka, and the other players chant, gesticulate, make terrifying faces, and Jump in the air. It’s not surprising that their opponents are impressed!

The Haka song:

Ka Mate! Ka mate!

Ka ora! Ka ora!...

There was death,

there was death.

And now there is life!

Jonah Lomu is a living rugby legend. He was just 19 when he started playing for the All Blacks in 1994 and became the youngest player in rugby history. The "gentle giant" has played 73 games for them and 63 internationals!

Notes:

· formidable – внушительный

· silver fern – серебряный папоротник

· to chant – скандировать

· to make faces – строить гримасы

 

Say if you agree or disagree with the following statements. Use conversational formulas (Consult Appendix 2 on page 58).

1. The world’s first rugby museum is in the USA.

2. Rugby is the most popular sport in New Zealand.

3. The team first competed internationally in 1984.

4. The game was played in New Zealand for the first time in 1780.

5. The All Blacks got their name because they wear black shorts, shirts, socks and shoes.

6. Jonah Lomu is a living rugby legend.

7. Before a rugby match, the All Blacks make a photo.

8. Jonah Lomu is the oldest player in rugby history.

 

Mountain Men