Excited to host some ABs

PICKED: George Bridge had a terrific game for the All Blacks against the Wallabies in Auckland this month and has been named in New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup squad. Picture by Brett Phibbs/AP

RUGBY

THEIR itinerary is not yet known, but the Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union is excited to be hosting some All Blacks next week.

Union chief executive Josh Willoughby said everyone would have the chance to meet the group of All Blacks who visit on Thursday.

“We’re as excited as everybody else in the community that the All Blacks are coming to spend time with us as part of their Rugby World Cup preparation,” he said.

New Zealand will name their Rugby World Cup squad of 31 players in Auckland on Wednesday.

The next day, groups of All Blacks will fly out to the regions — including to Gisborne — to meet fans.

“We’ve been lucky enough to host the All Blacks before the previous two Rugby World Cups and our community has come out in force to wish them luck and show our support — and we will do it again,” Willoughby said.

Gisborne-born George Bridge, a former pupil of Awapuni School and Gisborne Intermediate, is considered a good bet to make the squad.

The wing had a terrific game for the All Blacks when they trounced the Wallabies 36-0 at Eden Park last weekend.

Prop Atu Moli, also born in Gisborne, is also in the frame.