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Former Maori All Black coach Matt Te Pou says the team is proud of its place as one of the best in the world.
Mr Te Pou welcomed the team last night to an exhibition of the history of Maori rugby at Rotorua's Energy Events Centre just behind the Government Gardens.
It starts with the 1888 Native team that won 80 percent of the 107 games it played on a 14 month tour of the British Isles.
He says it's a reminder of the legacy the players are now custodians of.
When players come into the Maori came they are treated as the best in the world.
"We train as good as any other high performance team in the world. Our vision was to position Maori rugby in the international area, we had to be in the top four, and that is always where we position the team to be," Mr Te Pou says.
He's pleased the All Blacks have released players for Saturday's game in Rotorua against the British and Irish Lions.
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