In front of a vocal crowd, both sides went through their pre-game preparations as music blared and children frolicked along the sideline - emphasising the spirit of the family centric Isa community.

Not only was this match about rugby, but cultural diversity and togetherness.

New Zealand's traditional Haka got proceedings underway, making their presence felt with a typically passionate rendition.

The Rest of the World however, were not willing to back down and had the better of early proceedings.

However, they failed to capitalise on their dominance of both territory and possession, missing a penalty and blowing several chances close to the goal line.

Their best opportunity to put points on the board came courtesy of a kick which caught the New Zealand defence off-guard, allowing winger Eddie Campbell to gather the ball only to be caught metres shy of the try line.

This seemingly sparked the New Zealand team into action, as they quickly moved the ball down field and put points on the board through centre Ryan Patuwai following a scrum.

Shortly before half-time rest of the world turned the ball over inside their own 22 to gift New Zealand's Kane Manihera a try, making the score 10-0 at half-time.

The break did little to halt New Zealand's momentum as they continually asked questions of the rest of the world's defence. Pressure told and New Zealand crossed again, this time in the corner following a brilliant set-piece play which caught rest of the world napping down the blind side.

Fully aware the match was slipping away from them, the rest of the world clicked into gear and responded with their first try of the match, thanks to some fancy footwork from Alex Ambia.

The try was duly converted by James Maher but it was not enough, as New Zealand held firm to claim victory on Waitangi Day with the final scoreline 15-7.

* See multimedia gallery for Waitangi Day social pictures.