ABs dressed to thrill with island style

All Black hooker Keven Mealamu sports his elei while meeting Jock Burney, 85, at Auckland Airport yesterday.

The All Blacks left for Apia in style yesterday - Samoan style.

The team paid tribute to the locals by wearing traditional elei (island print) short-sleeved shirts - popular attire in the Pacific Islands.

Members of the team sported white and grey elei shirts designed and created by Samoan clothing line Eveni Carruthers. The brand, established in 1929, has a following among locals and Samoans overseas, with many sportsmen wearing Eveni shirts to formal events.

The All Blacks left Auckland just before 4pm for the rugby test against Samoa tomorrow.

Eveni Carruthers' main store is in the heart of Apia, on Beach Rd. It has another at the international airport terminal.

Image 1 of 11: The All Blacks arrive in Apia on the island of 'Upolu where they will play Manu Samoa. It is the first time that the All Blacks have come to the Samoan Islands to play Manu Samoa in a rugby test.

Manager Selina Lefao said they were thrilled when approached to design a shirt especially for the All Blacks.

"It was really exciting for us. We made a special design for them and they have two elei shirts - one in grey and white and the other black and white.

"You can see in the design that there's a print that looks like a rugby ball as well. We hope they like it."

Mrs Lefao said the store usually supplied Manu Samoa players with blue elei shirts when they travel away and it was understood that Manu Samoa officials recommended the brand to All Blacks management.

The team have also been supplied with ie faitaga - formal island lavalava for men.