Kia ora, All Blacks
Players, fans enjoy meet-and-greet and powhiri
It’s the week rugby fans and All Blacks supporters have been been waiting for – one of the world’s greatest sports teams landing in Nelson.
Several All Blacks players got out into the community yesterday, lifting the spirits of many in preparation for the much-anticipated test against Argentina at Trafalgar Park on Saturday.
Damian McKenzie, Jackson Hemopo and captain Kieran Read kicked off the excitement at 1.30pm at the Waimea Old Boys clubrooms in Richmond, captivating a room turned red by supporters and junior players’ jerseys.
The original plan was for the team members and supporters to meet at Jubilee Park, but wet weather forced the gathering indoors.
Addressing the room, Reid said he couldn’t wait to play the Pumas at Trafalgar Park.
‘‘As All Blacks, we get around different places in the world, but I guess (in) hometown New Zealand, the support we get is really, truly appreciated. We absolutely love coming to these places, and to play our first test match here in Nelson, it’s going to be fantastic.’’
Junior players asked the All Blacks prepared questions, including what they did before big games, who their favourite player was and why, and what they had for breakfast.
When the trio were asked how it felt to be named in the team, new addition Hemopo said: ‘‘It was a dream come true. I almost didn’t believe it.’’
Despite a room of junior players unable to sit still before the All Blacks arrived, all bums remained on seats and every eye in the room was focused on their heroes.
Between question and answer time and photos with the All Blacks, three lucky junior players were selected to throw 10 rugby balls to an All Black in a competition to test who could hold the most balls.
Kobi Johnson-Stephens from the Waimea Old Boys juniors successfully threw 11 balls to McKenzie. Kobi said it was ‘‘pretty cool’’.
‘‘He told me to do it slow so he could catch the ball. It was pretty funny when he put them under his top and in between his legs.’’ He said McKenzie might have cheated ‘‘a little bit’’.
Across town at 3pm, another three All Blacks – Nehe MilnerSkudder, T J Perenara and Rieko Ioane – attended a powhiri at Whakatu Marae.
Tasman Rugby Union commercial and marketing manager Les Edwards said on Saturday there were just under 900 tickets left for the test.
With more than 20,000 supporters descending on Trafalgar Park, fans were advised to arrive early and pack light, as there would be security bag checks on entry.