Bryn Hall is looking forward to a second crack at the British and Irish Lions in what would be a debut for the New Zealand Maori in Rotorua on Saturday.

The bedtime stories aren't exclusively for the kids - this week it's the New Zealand Maori squad who are revelling in the nightly ritual, as they hunker down for their big match against the British and Irish Lions in Rotorua on Saturday.

After assembling last Sunday the Maori have been steadily building on-field combinations on the training paddock, but, perhaps just as importantly, have been striking up their off-field mateship, in the unique way the Maori squad tends to do.

There's a special bond the group are able to come together with, and the traditions and history of both the Maori team itself, and the culture in general, make up a big part of their week.

PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES New Zealand Maori All Black coach Colin Cooper.

That's no more evident than each night when the players and management gather as one and listen to stories. There are outsiders who come into the group to speak. The yarns vary, but all carry a similar tune, drawing on history and what it means to be in this environment, while also tailoring the messages to this particular group.

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It's a buzz for all involved, but particularly for those new to the squad. There are three uncapped players in the mix this time in midfielder Rob Thompson and halfbacks Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and Bryn Hall, and their initiation also involves standing up in front of the group and talking about their background, where they're from, and their family, before being presented with a gift.

Hall, 25, is in his sixth season of professional rugby and has also been a New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Under-20 rep, but this is something different. He said it's all certainly a thrill, both to share more about him, and also gain a deeper understanding of what they're playing for.

"I've just been soaking up the experience," he said. "For me, learning about the Maori history and the heritage within this team, it's been really awesome to get to know that first-hand.

"We have stories every night and have haka practice and what not, and [are] trying to really get back to our roots, and knowing what it is to be Maori."

For Hall, making this team has been a personal goal for some time. He didn't crack last year's end-of-season tour to the UK, with Brad Weber and Billy Guyton preferred, but, coinciding with a move from the Blues to the Crusaders, he is now on track for his first cap.

With the All Blacks releasing Tawera Kerr-Barlow to play in this fixture, Hall is likely to take a bench spot, and will have his Tauranga-based father in attendance, as the Maori aim to pull off a repeat of their incredible 19-13 victory over the Lions in Hamilton in 2005.

For Hall, it will be a second outing against the tourists, and a chance to this time come out on the right side of the leger, following the hard-fought 12-3 loss with his Crusaders side in Christchurch last Saturday. It's set to be a similar Lions lineup this time out too, with the first-choice side expected to be rolled out ahead of next Saturday's first test at Eden Park.

Hall said it was a matter of him and fellow Crusader Tim Bateman bringing their learnings from that game and just chipping in to the group where needed, having identified his opposite as being a big key last weekend.

"I thought Conor Murray, when we played them, was world class in being able to put us under pressure and being able to win that escort battle and the high ball," Hall said.

"They bring a lot of line speed defensively. So it's about trying to put them under pressure with our option taking, no team likes to be put under pressure, that's where it's hard to make decisions, so hopefully we can execute that."

And while there is a solid game plan in place under coach Colin Cooper, assistant coach Tana Umaga and set-piece coach Carl Hoeft, Hall said there was also the will to go out and play "Maori rugby" - a brand renowned for its excitement.

"I think it's just expressing yourself, with the players that we've got, especially in our backline, there's a lot of x-factor, you want to let that out," he said.

"It's an awesome opportunity, and I know the boys will enjoy it.

"Our focus is to create a bit history within this group, and hopefully we can do that come Saturday night."