Photo gallery of AB's welcome home
ABs return homeKEY POINTS:
From the deafening roar you would have thought the All Blacks were returning as World Cup champions.
But one look at the faces of the dejected players as they filtered into a packed terminal at Christchurch Airport yesterday was enough to be reminded they had failed in their
mission.
It was only as they absorbed the overwhelming warmth of more than 2000 die-hard supporters, swathed in All Black colours, waving flags and clamouring for autographs, that some allowed themselves a smile.
Anton Oliver and Chris Jack even appeared a little teary-eyed at the reception.
Luke McAlister found his voice. "I didn't know it was going to be like this. It's unreal. It makes us feel so much better."
Banners held by the crowd declared them forgiven:
"You are still number one."
"We are loyal - We still know you're the best team in the world."
"Welcome home, you're still the best."
Supporters began filling the terminal two hours before the team's arrival and strove to get the best viewing positions. Chants of "All Blacks, All Blacks" sprung up repeatedly.
Reuben Thorne called the reception "humbling", a far cry from the "nasty" reaction players had received after falling short at previous World Cups.
For captain Richie McCaw "the cheering said it all" after he was greeted by a roar from the fans.
"I guess we have done some good things over the last wee while, and you have got to try to keep a perspective, but it's hard at the moment."
Deborah Devon came with 10-month-old son Charlie to show they were still proud of their team.
"They are fantastic role models, and I thought they did their country proud. I'm here to support them and show we are still proud of them."
Pam Ashcroft, 41, said the referee was to blame for the loss, not the team.
"We just can't be supportive when they are winners. We back them as players all year round. They are human."
Amy Hills, 13, said the World Cup failure wasn't the All Blacks' fault. She laid the blame at the feet of the fans.
"The supporters are giving them too much pressure. But we have got 2011 to come and they will win that. It's very important we give them the confidence that the nation is behind them."
At Auckland Airport a smaller reception was no less heartwarming for the tired-looking northerners of the team. They were greeted with handshakes from Auckland City Mayor Dick Hubbard and loud cheers from a crowd that quickly swelled to about 300.
Children waved placards proclaiming "All Blacks our heroes" while one woman made sure the All Black coach saw her sign, which read "Graham Henry, you're awesome".
Henry, who said he was going to "chill out" and not make any kneejerk reactions regarding his future, said the welcome home had been "marvellous".
"I think this team deserves that, they're the best team in the world. I know they haven't won the World Cup but they've won 42 out of 48 internationals over the last four years."
"They're a brilliant bunch of young men who have done wonders for this country.
"They're great role models and they've put their hand out to a lot of people and I've got a huge amount of respect for them as rugby players and people."