About 4000 enthusiastic fans turned out at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton yesterday to see their All Black heroes and to pick up an autograph or two.
The 23-man squad followed up their training by signing autographs and shaking hands with the mainly young fans.
The signing session was welcomed by
Hamilton father-of-three Darryl Mills who, with wife Sarah and nephew Jackson, 8, headed to the stadium for the afternoon.
"It's a bit cold but it is a great chance for the children to meet the players," he said.
The crowd favourites, he said, were All Blacks drawn from the Chiefs including Byron Kelleher and Marty Holah.
James Fouche, 8, of Hamilton, was there to get the autograph of his "favourite rugby player", Daniel Carter.
His mum, Fiona Fouche, said the outing had been planned all week, and the family would be back on Saturday night for the first test against Ireland.
"Go the All Blacks," said Jayden Richards, 7, of Hamilton, also a Carter fan.
Jordan Nahu of Hamilton came to see winger Rico Gear "because he is a really good player".
However, the enthusiasm of the young fans was not matched by all members of the All Black squad.
Although there were smiles and warmth from captain Richie McCaw, Anton Oliver and recently recalled Troy Flavell, the attitude of some players, including Ma'a Nonu, Neemia Tialata and Greg Rawlinson seemed to be a little cooler.
One senior Waikato rugby official said: "It wouldn't hurt them to smile, would it?"
All Black prop Carl Hayman said the session was good for both players and fans.
He regretted that the All Blacks had not visited his home town of New Plymouth during his youth.
The 120kg prop said the signing session was a good opportunity for players to meet the public and to appreciate how much they were idolised, particularly by the younger fans.
Blindside flanker Craig Newby could still recall travelling from his home town in Rotorua to Auckland to watch the All Blacks.
He remembered the excitement he felt when he managed to get the autograph of his idol, Hika Reid, and that of All Blacks captain Wayne Shelford.
"It is awesome to see so many people turning out to support us," he said.
"Plenty of keen kids, it's nice to be a part of it."
