American cult television star David Hasselhoff has revealed his admiration for the All Blacks after sending a message of support to five-eighth Dan Carter via social media yesterday.
The former lead actor in 80s TV show Knight Rider and 90s surf life-saving drama Baywatch gave Carter a shout-out on Twitter following the All Blacks World Cup Pool C opening clash against Argentina on Sunday.
Widely known as 'The Hoff', the 63-year-old actor contacted Carter and recalled his previous meeting with former All Blacks winger and Blues coach Sir John Kirwan.
"Hey shout out to @DanCarter good Luck was honored to meet and get Sir John Kirwans jersey a few years back .. See you on the pitch!!," wrote Hasselhoff.
Carter replied, saying: "Cheers Hoffman. Enjoy the tournament and hope you're supporting our @AllBlacks brothers."
Last year Hasselhoff spoke of his love of New Zealand and the haka, and his admiration for Kirwan.
A keen rugby fan, he was present at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium when All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw led the side for the 100th time against Wales during the 2014 end of year UK tour.
"I love the haka. I think that the Welsh team now should do the Hoffa ... to intimidate these guys," he said.
He added he had spent "a lot" of time in New Zealand. "I like the Kiwis as well. I was honoured to get a John Kirwan jersey at a game years ago."