All Blacks set to arrive in style

One of the photos posted on Instagram showed the players helping an 85-year-old fan, Jock Burney, check in for the flight to Apia. Photo / Instagram

The All Blacks are on their way to Samoa and will be arriving in Apia in style - Samoan style.

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

Members of the team were pictured sporting white and grey elei shirts designed and created by well-known Samoan clothing line: Eveni Carruthers.

The brand, established in 1929, has a huge following among locals and Samoans overseas; with many well-known sportsmen wearing Eveni shirts to formal events.

The All Blacks' official Instagram account posted photos of some of the team, including players Jerome Kaino and Nepo Laulala, at Auckland International Airport ahead of their flight just before 4pm.

Eveni Carruthers' main store is in the heart of Apia, on Beach Road, as well as at the international airport terminal.

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 the Manu Samoa with blue elei shirts when they travel away and it was understood that officials from the Manu Samoa recommended the brand to All Blacks management.

The Kiwis have also been supplied with ie faitaga - formal island lavalava for men.
When told they were not wearing them when leaving Auckland Airport, Mrs Lefao laughed.

"Oh we'll try to make sure we get them in their ie faitaga when they get here. We'd love to see the Kiwi boys wearing them.''

The All Blacks' elei shirts will not be made available to the public or via online until match day - after the team has worn them.

One of the photos posted on Instagram showed the players helping an 85-year-old fan, Jock Burney, check in for the flight to Apia.

The caption accompanying the photo described Mr Burney as a "hardcore fan" who had been on four tours in recent years and said he was due to celebrate his 86th birthday on test day.