There were two winners on the night the New Zealand Māori All Blacks faced-off against the Moana Pasifika team at Hamilton's FMG stadium.
Tony Rikona and Polly Goodger Photo: SUPPLIED
Tony Rikona got on one knee and proposed to his partner Polly Goodger as hundreds of spectators surrounded the pair.
Rikona said the proposal had been in the works for about a week and he made the effort to ring FMG stadium prior to the big night.
While Goodger had left their seats briefly to go and get some more food and drinks, Rikona prepared to pop the question. When she returned Rikona made his move as the crowd around him looked on in awe.
"I proposed to my partner and thankfully she said yes," he said.
Goodger was visibly surprised and overwhelmed with happiness.
"It was a definite shock," she said.
Māori All Blacks captain Ash Dixon after the rugby match between Māori All Blacks v Moana Pasifika. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020 www.photosport.nz
What followed was a breath-taking haka by men encircling Rikona and the attention of the crowd was turned towards them.
When asked if the men were friends of his, Rikona said "no they were strangers".
"I said, 'hey boys I'm going to propose, can you back me up'."
The newly engaged couple were met by congratulatory messages from spectators as they made their way up the aisles during the half-time break.
Rikona joked he may have a few more extra members expecting an invite to the wedding once a date is set.