Avid fans greet All Blacks in Christchurch

Sonny Bill Williams runs with support from Richie McCaw. Photo / Getty Images

A crowd of avid fans greeted the All Blacks as they landed in Christchurch this afternoon.

The team were flying high coming off an impressive win against Japan last night.

Hundreds of people, many dressed in black and white, waited at the airport to catch a glimpse of the team, who will spend the next three days in Christchurch as part of a good-will tour before departing on Wednesday to prepare for next Saturday's Rugby World Cup match against France.

Among the crowd was Mariana Pokai, 22, she was waiting patiently to get her jersey signed by Sonny Bill Williams. She had developed a crush on the player after seeing his shirt rip off in last Friday's match.

"He's a babe for sure. We need something down here, because we haven't had any games. It's great.''

George Fergusson, 19, Thomas Coughlan 18, and Mathew Dorgn, 19, were kitted out in full All Black gear.

"It's great down in Christchurch, we don't get to see any of the games so it's awesome because we don't feel like we are missing out,'' said Fergusson.

Alapene Kumeroa, 5, was hoping to get his ball signed by his cousin - Richard Kahui.

"He's my favourite. He plays a good game.''