Young rugby fans meet their heroes

Charlie Reeves met his idol Richie McCaw in Christchurch today seven years after he last met him - as a two-month old baby. Photo / Kurt Bayer

Hundreds of mostly young rugby fans queued up to meet their All Blacks heroes in Christchurch today.

Captain Richie McCaw, halfback Aaron Smith and prop Owen Franks spent an hour signing autographs and having photographs taken with fans at the city's adidas store in Westfield Riccarton mall.Charlie Reeves met his idol McCaw this morning, seven years after he last met him - as a 2-month old baby on the player's return to New Zealand after the disastrous 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign.

His mum Leesa Reeves said they drove up from Geraldine in South Canterbury this morning.

It was worth the drive, she said.

"He loves Richie, and it's pretty special that he saw him today after last seeing him as an 8-week old."

They went off to buy a new All Blacks jersey for his 8th birthday, having grown out of his old one.

Bella Harris, 11, and 7-year-old brother Max got a rugby ball and postcards signed by the famous trio who will play against Argentina in Christchurch tomorrow night.

And grandmother Colleen Harris made sure she got a photo with the 137-test All Black McCaw.

"I've waited years to get a photo with him," Mrs Harris said.

"I'm a great rugby fan. The grandkids always get their photos taken, and I usually miss out. But today I can tick it off my bucket list.

"It's made my day."

Anton, 7, and Amelia, 5, Lilley got snapped with giant prop Franks and autographs from Smith and McCaw.

Mum Natasha LIlley said it was worth the wait.

"They'll be buzzing all day."

McCaw said the team always appreciates the passionate support of Cantabs. "It's not every day that the All Blacks play a test here, so it's nice to come out in the school holidays where a few kids can come out and say g'day."