Nice touch as ABs pack in big day for young fans

Football Goals

The NZ Rugby Union is often criticised for ignoring its provincial fan base by not sending the players to visit schools or add their massive pulling power to community events.

But it certainly deserves credit for a new initiative in which players went to seven smaller New Zealand centres, including Tauranga, yesterday. Sure it was a whistlestop visit of just a few hours but in that time Israel Dagg, Liam Messam, Frank Halai, Steven Luatua and Tony Woodcock did wonders for the All Blacks brand.

They were escorted around town by former international referee Bryce Lawrence, who took great delight in taking the All Blacks to his old schools of Pillans Point Primary and Otumoetai College.

The pupils and teachers at Pillans Point really got into the spirit of the special occasion, dressing in black and wearing face paint. The question-and-answer session was a real highlight, with one mum getting her son to ask Israel Dagg if he would marry her.

The players then joined 100 Year 8 and Year 9 boys in a coaching clinic at Otumoetai College, organised by the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

The looks on the faces of the boys as they were given some one-on-one tuition from the players was a sight to behold and the good-natured way the All Blacks joined in with some light-hearted banter after training was appreciated by all.

In a nice touch, the All Blacks posed for photos with each of the schools and signed autographs patiently.

I watched Tony Woodcock help Steamers front rowers Kane Hames and Nathan Harris take a session on scrum techniques. In an area that mystifies all but those who have spent time in the murky area of the front row, it was fascinating to watch how these top players made it sound so simple.

Woodcock stripped down the technical art of scrummaging to correct body posture and keeping a straight back to avoid injury. The young boys listening were captivated by his words and took to the drills with renewed enthusiasm after an hour working out in the sun.

After lunch, the All Blacks visited the Tauranga Art Gallery and met the outstanding young cast of Massive Company's highly regarded theatre experience, The Brave.

It is about eight young men who reveal personal truths about what it means to be a man in today's society. Having the All Blacks associated with the show should do wonders for ticket sales and give the whole Tauranga Arts Festival a deserved boost.

Thanks for coming All Blacks and let's hope the NZRU decides to send you back to Tauranga every year.