All Blacks Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams were among a group of 19 training in Tauranga yesterday in the lead-up to selection for the Rugby World Cup later this week.
Carter and Williams are among a squad of the national rugby team for a three-day training camp, which startedat Mount Maunganui's Blake Park yesterday.
Sonny Bill Williams was among a group of 19 All Blacks taking part in a three-day training camp.
The players were also spotted training at Aspire Health and Sports in Bethlehem, and eating breakfast at Sidetrack Cafe in Mount Maunganui.
Sidetrack Cafe owner Petra-lee Osbourne said it was an exciting and busy morning at the eatery.
All Blacks training at Blake Park. Sonny Bill Williams and Ma'a Nonu.
"We had passers-by coming in and wanting photos and autographs. I think others were a bit more shy and just hung back and watched the action unfold," she told the Bay of Plenty Times.
Tauranga-based All Blacks strength and conditioning coach Nic Gill was a regular at the cafe and had arranged for the team to eat there yesterday, and the group would be back for more meals during their three-day stay in the city, she said.
Sonny Bill Williams in training.
The players chose a range of meals from the cafe's menu.
"They are all pretty aware of what they are allowed to eat.
"They all pretty much choose healthy options," Ms Osbourne said.
The All Blacks have been released from their international obligations and put on a mix of ITM Cup work, individual conditioning programmes and the Bay of Plenty-based training camp. All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen confirmed the training camp would be taking place in Tauranga shortly after the team's victory over the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup.
The presence of the All Blacks has gained plenty of attraction online and on the field, with passers-by and fans sharing their excitement at the superstar visitors.
All Blacks' schedule
* Some players will be required to attend conditioning camp in Tauranga, August 25, 26, 27 under trainer Nic Gill.
* August 30: World Cup squad named, Wellington.
* August 31-September 2: Training camp, Wellington.
* September 7-9: Training camp, Auckland.
* September 10: Squad travel to London for World Cup.
