Where so many wept, at long last they can cheer

Rose Vandervliet, 82, and Richie McCaw proudly hold the Webb Ellis Cup aloft at Hagley Park. Photo / APN

Thousands of rugby-starved Christchurch residents turned out in force yesterday to greet the Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks.

Earthquake damage meant the city missed out on hosting World Cup matches.

Captain Richie McCaw thanked the thousands gathered in Hagley Park for their support.

"It's just nice to see everyone with a smile," he said.

"Although we couldn't play any games down here we realised the support from all over the country, especially from this province, has been huge.

"To come down here and say 'thank you' and show the cup means a lot. Thanks for the support."

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said it was poignant that the Webb Ellis Cup was being shown off in Hagley Park.

"This is the place where on the 22nd [of February] people evacuated to, where we set up temporary hospitals and accommodation.

"It's where we had the great memorial service ... it's where we wept together, and today it's where we cheer together."

Host Simon Barnett singled out 82-year-old Rose Vandervliet to climb on to the stage and hug the team.

She held the cup in one hand and her groceries in the other before giving coach Graham Henry a big hug.

The All Blacks paraded through the streets surrounding the park on the back of utes, with crowds nearly falling into the Avon River to keep up.

Rugby balls and pens flew from the crowd for signing, with lunchboxes, arms and skateboards also offered up. One brave boy threw grass clippings at an unimpressed Owen Franks.

Packs of schoolgirls in blazers targeted the utes carrying Richard Kahui and Israel Dagg.

Emma Petersen, 18, got her "I love Kahui" sign autographed by the winger, who had just finished kissing a baby.

Asked if he was her pick because of his looks or his rugby ability, she replied: "Both, definitely both."

Other signs read "We love them moves like [Israel] Dagger" and "@CoryJane1080 Marry Me."

Dagg and Corey Flynn were given a plastic container of home baking.

The crush meant some couldn't get close enough to touch their heroes - one little boy in tears was comforted by his father, who said "you got so close to Ma'a".

The All Blacks flew down from Auckland on an Air New Zealand Airbus painted black and with silver fern detail.

Many of the team slept after celebrations and a late night at the IRB Awards, where they were named Team of the Year.

Those who were awake had the surreal experience of being asked to pay attention to the airline's safety video in which they starred.

Dagg and Jane jumped into the cockpit, prompting the pilot to announce: "With me are First Officer Jane and First Officer Dagg."

Around 500 fans crammed into Christchurch airport to see the team arrive, and skipper McCaw received kisses from airport security staff as he walked across the tarmac.

Local boy Andy Ellis said yesterday was extra special for the Crusaders members in the team. "I felt so sorry for them missing out on what's been such a special thing for our country.

"But this is a nice way of giving them a little something back."

Henry told the crowds at Hagley Park: "Winning the cup was a beautiful feeling and these young men were the reason for it," he said.

"These guys had a huge amount of courage, just like you guys [in Christchurch] have over the past year."

Last night the team flew to Wellington, where a parade today will conclude their victory lap of the country.