A fan-tastic welcome at All Blacks launch

The All Blacks arrive at Aotea Square for the capping ceremony yesterday. Photo / Amos Chapple

He lives only 40 minutes away, but Zakiah Henderson made his first ever trip into the Auckland CBD to see his All Black heroes yesterday.

The 8-year-old Pukekohe local, along with his sister Brooke, were among up to 3000 fans at Aotea Square for the All Blacks official launch to their World Cup campaign.

Henderson's mother Wendy said the family couldn't afford to attend any matches but were thrilled to be involved in the tournament.

"The kids just want to see the All Blacks, they are so excited," she said.

Zakiah is the star of the Pukekohe Rugby Club's under-8s team and is picking an All Black victory in the final.

"We're going to win by 76 points," he said.

For IRB chief executive Mike Miller, who mingled with the crowd, the All Blacks' welcome ceremony was a chance for the players to connect with the wider public.

"You can feel the warmth and the excitement, this is what the tournament is all about," he said.

Cup boss Martin Sneddon was also there, mixing with the crowd.

The team were given a heroes' welcome when they arrived by bus at 4.30pm.

Mayor Len Brown thanked his "homeboy", All Black coach Graham Henry.

"I'm bloody annoyed I'm not in the team," Brown joked. "That bloody Piri Weepu has got my spot."

After a Maori blessing, the All Blacks were presented with their caps by International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset.

The crowd gave Frenchman Lapasset a warm round of applause for his well-pronounced Maori greeting.

But the biggest cheer of the ceremony was saved for All Black captain Richie McCaw, who thanked the fans and promised to do everything they could to win the Webb Ellis Cup.

"Come the 23rd of October, we've got a wee goal in mind. There's a lot of hard work to do before then."

After the welcome, Henry said the All Blacks will focus on preparing for "a unique tournament".

He said fans displayed a level of support the country had never seen before.