All Blacks receive fitting farewell
This was more like it. Just over a week after announcing their World Cup squad at parliament, the All Blacks went back to the people.
Yesterday at west Auckland’s Waitakere Trusts Stadium, they threw the doors open to the public. It was much appreciated, too.
About 300 people, school kids of various ages through to adults, flocked to see their heroes in the flesh before they depart for England and begin their quest for successive Wold Cup crowns.
Parents pulled children out of school; adults came decked out in official gear. They all came armed with marker pens, shirts or balls. All ready to secure their favourite signatures and enjoy the chance to give the team a warm reception.
Usually All Blacks training session are private affairs; held behind black tarpaulin with security guards policing the perimeter. Tactics, line-ups and training techniques are steadfastly protected.
Not this time, though. In their final session in overcast conditions before boarding the big bird to London today, the All Blacks allowed onlookers the rare chance to sample this light run.
Two teams ran through restarts, kick-off receptions, skills and exit plays in a non-contact session involving all of the 31-man touring party. They were never going to reveal much, but it again looked likely they will roll out two separate teams for their first two World Cup matches against Argentina and Namibia. No surprise given the short four-day turnaround.
Those in the stand watched on intently for 11⁄ hours, taking pictures and videos to savour the moment and no doubt share with others later. They waited patiently for a chance to get up close to the stars.
Once training was finished most of the team wandered over to the stand where feverish children waited behind the railing. Many were dressed in school uniforms, from Liston College and St Leonards Road School. Younger kids barely reached the players’ knees. All gazed up at them with awe. However brief, they will cherish these memories.
‘‘Bring home the cup Steve Hansen,’’ one woman shouted from among the crowd.
In all it was a low-key affair, not overly publicised or hyped. This time, the support came without agendas or awkward handshakes.
A fitting farewell.