All Blacks legends Sir Colin Meads and Waka Nathan have waded into the debate over the national team's lacklustre singing of the national anthem before tests.



The All Blacks were criticised in the wake of the two tests against France after many of the squad did not sing 'God Defend New Zealand'.



Meads, who played 133 matches including 55 tests, said the All Blacks should just sing the English version of the anthem.



"I don't think we should have two versions," he told Sunday News.



"We only ever sung one version. We didn't sing in two languages. It makes it a bit more awkward."



Nathan, one of New Zealand's greatest Maori players, added: "I would have to go along with that.



"If they have the anthem in just the one [language], that would be fine by me. I personally wouldn't worry too much if there wasn't the Maori version, if we didn't do that and just did the haka."



Until 1999, the All Blacks had sung God Defend New Zealand only in English but prominent Maori performer Hinewehi Mohi, stunned the rugby community when she sang the anthem solely in Maori during the 1999 World Cup.



A Government-backed campaign soon saw the singing of God Defend New Zealand in both languages before national sporting events.



Mohi described the recent All Blacks anthem efforts as "meek".



"I'll be happy to offer lessons in the anthem to the ABs if they're struggling with it. I would offer my services as a tutor. I would be really sad to see us revert back to just the English version again," Mohi said.



"There has been lots of discussion about it but for the most part the feedback for me has been one of quite a breakthrough for our nation and acceptance of two official languages of the country.



"I would like to think we should do a better job at building up a statement at showing pride and not being so coy with our outward patriotism. We seem to be quite meek when it comes to showing pride in our country."



Earlier this week, All Blacks captain Mils Muliaina said players were aware of public criticism which he put down to Kiwi conservatism.



"But we are making a conscious effort," he said.