Engines roar, heads turn - it's the ABs

OUR TEAM: Anushka Perere (left) and Anusha Fernando, who flew from Sri Lanka to see their favourite team in action against Argentina tonight and against South Africa in Wellington next Saturday.

A motorbike engine revs loudly as a booming voice announces the arrival of Liam Messam, Owen Franks and Julian Savea - it's an entrance fit for, well, the All Blacks.

Piling off a three-wheel V8 Supertrike, the hulking players smiled and waved at a line of people snaking down the block outside Farmers in Napier, yesterday.

Hundreds turned up to glimpse the boys and take home a signed poster, released by sponsorship partners Jockey, featuring Messam and eight other All Black and All Blacks sevens players in the signature skintight boxers.

Since arriving in town on Monday, the team have been enjoying local hospitality, telling Hawke's Bay Today, it was a highlight of their stay.

"It's been good, people really add to the buzz, it's always nice to come to a small town, apart from the rain, " Messam said. "We have had a lot of coffee, all of the cafes have been welcoming, Ocean Spa has also been good to us."

While there were no special pre-game rituals planned, the All Blacks would be relaxing, re-fuelling and hoping the weather took a turn for the better in time for tonight's game against Argentina.

"They are going to be pretty tough, they are a pretty unpredictable side," Savea said. "Any time you put on the black jersey it's a proud moment, but it's always a challenge whether it's the Springboks, Argies or Australia."

Everywhere they went, fans had come out in force, from signings to school visits, and even as they strolled through town with their families.

Many had made an special effort to be here, such as Anusha Fernando and Anushka Perere, who flew from Sri Lanka, especially to see the all-star side in action.

"We are huge fans, this is our first time in New Zealand, we love the country and have been pleasantly surprised by the hospitality ... we actually met the All Blacks yesterday," Ms Fernando said.

The couple were walking past Lone Star on Thursday night when they spied Richie McCaw and Dan Carter through the window.

They were invited to sit and talk for about 15 minutes, with Kieran Read inquiring about the Sri Lankan cricket team.

It was the ultimate for Ms Fernando, who snapped a photo with McCaw and Carter.

"I met Richie in Sri Lanka last year - he's my absolute favourite, he's a good player, a good captain and he's humble."

Tonight, they will be kitted out in supporters' gear. "We have beanies and we are going to buy the jersey, shawl, a bag and the wrist bands - everything we can."

On Sunday, they fly to Auckland and later follow the All Blacks to Wellington.

While they hadn't travelled quite as far, Hawke's Bay brothers James, 10, and Toby Mckinley-Blake, 6, were also keen to meet their idols.

The boys had missed a morning of school to wait patiently outside Farmers, before the store opened at 9am, so they could be first in line when the players arrived at 11am. In school uniform, they sat on rugby balls they had brought to be signed.

It was vital to get there early, after missing out on meeting the players last week when they visited Napier Municipal Theatre.

"We have always been All Blacks fans," James said. "I really like Richie McCaw."

The brothers won't be at McLean Park tonight, but will watch at home, and may follow along with the haka.