ABs making the most of Nelson visit
Whether they’re carbo-loading at our eateries or filling up on Nelson sunshine, the All Blacks are making their presence felt around their newest home venue ahead of Saturday’s test against Argentina at Trafalgar Park.
After appearing at scheduled public events in Richmond, Brightwater, Motueka and Stoke on Sunday, the players got down to serious preparations this week.
Following an indoor gym session on Monday morning, the squad got their first look at the Trafalgar Park pitch during yesterday morning’s training run.
In between the demands of training, the All Blacks have been easy to spot around Nelson’s CBD as they enjoy some downtime or check out culinary recommendations.
On Monday evening, captain Kieran Read, Ben Smith and Sonny Bill Williams took the time for a photo with staff at Nelson’s Urban Eatery, while a group that included Nehe Milner-Skudder, Williams and Ardie Savea were spotted having lunch at Burger Culture yesterday.
Speaking at Monday’s media session, lock Brodie Retallick said the team was alerted to the best food and coffee spots by former teammate turned Nelson retailer Wyatt Crockett. ‘‘So far, so good.’’
Motueka-born prop Owen Franks agreed that having a prop providing eating suggestions would be a reliable source of local knowledge. ‘‘You know they’re not going to be small meals.’’
Several players reciprocated Crockett’s advice by paying him a visit at his Stirling Sports store on Trafalgar St.
The 71-test front rower and Tasman Mako vice-captain said that judging by the vibe outside his shop, the test week atmosphere was beginning to hit its straps. ‘‘Town will be going off come Thursday and Friday.’’
Despite home fans snapping up a large number of 2018 Mako jerseys in recent days, Crockett said he was unable to sell any to Counties-Manukau’s Read and Williams, Otago’s Aaron Smith or Bay of Plenty’s Sam Cane.
However, he will have another opportunity to encourage some impulse purchases when the store hosts an All Blacks signing session on Friday morning.
The team will take part in several other public events on Friday, including visits to Waimea College and Auckland Point School.