Two All Blacks, one cherished Bledisloe Cup and the Rugby Championship Trophy toured Hawke's Bay yesterday as excitement continues to build for the region's first test in 18 years.
All Blacks and Magpies fullback Israel Dagg and All Blacks lock Luke Romano visited Hastings High School, Taradale Primary School and the Hawke's Bay Today newsroom as part of the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's "Pack the Park" campaign.
New Zealand will play Argentina at McLean Park in Napier on September 6, as the city hosts its first All Blacks test since they beat Samoa in 1996.
Dagg, an old boy of Lindisfarne College and Hastings Intermediate, said it was a thrill to return to his home province where he learnt his craft before becoming a star for the Crusaders and earning 39 test caps for the All Blacks.
He said his teammates were anxious ahead of last weekend's Bledisloe Cup triumph at Eden Park but were looking forward to taking on the Pumas.