It seems Dylan Wood has not heard of "Keep calm, Piri's on".
The youngster was one of 3000 who turned up to Meet the Blues at the Orakei Domain in Auckland yesterday, where fans were able to mix and mingle with their rugby heroes. But even Piri Weepu, who inspired the catchphrase with his Rugby World Cup heroics, was unable to calm him down.
A marquee signing from the Hurricanes in the off-season, Weepu was a star attraction yesterday with young and old lining up for photographs or autographs during the NZ Herald signing session.
Fellow Wellingtonian Ma'a Nonu followed Weepu north but has yet to turn out in Blues' colours, as the classy midfielder is still in Japan playing for the Ricoh club.
Blues captain Keven Mealamu watched carefully yesterday as supporters were put through their paces in skill drills, relay races and the odd game of "stuck in the mud".
Unbeaten after three pre-season games, the Blues face perennial Super rugby finalists the Crusaders in the opening round at Eden Park on Friday night.
- Staff reporter
Play Jimungo Virtual Rugby and be in to win a trip for two to L.A. & $2000 travel money, plus loads of spot prizes.