Featured Advertorial: ANZ enables Kiwi kids to lead teams out at Rugby World Cup 2011 Final

Zachary Styant had an amazing time at the game. Photo / Supplied

Featured content supplied by the ANZ for nzherald.co.nz

Two young rugby fans lived their dream last night, joining Thierry Dusautoir and Richie McCaw to lead out the French and New Zealand teams onto the pitch for the Rugby World Cup 2011 Final.

Nine-year-old Zachary Styant from Christchurch and 10-year-old Isabelle Kurth from Lower Hutt won the opportunity in the ANZ Future Captains promotion.

With a sellout crowd at Eden Park and over 2 million TV viewers in New Zealand watching the Final, all eyes were on the two ANZ Future Captains as they lead the French and New Zealand players onto the pitch and stood at their side as they sang their national anthems.

Zachary flew up to the big game at Eden Park from Christchurch for his role with New Zealand captain Richie McCaw. His mother Rachel said the prize couldn't have gone to someone who appreciated it more than her son.

"Zachary adores rugby so for him to have this opportunity is incredible. Since arriving in Auckland we've been amazed by the positivity and camaraderie between the supporters of both teams. We're loving the atmosphere, particularly here are Eden Park."

Zachary, whose favourite player is Ritchie McCaw, said he was so excited to be at the Final and to walk onto the field with his hero made it even better.

For Isabelle Kurth, the great-granddaughter of former All Black Jack Taylor, the experience of walking out with the French team was one of the greatest moments of her life.

"It was the best night ever. I was so nervous and had butterflies in my stomach, but once I got out there it was just incredible to see the stadium filled with thousands of cheering fans."

Isabelle's father Stuart Kurth, who accompanied her to the Final, said he was extremely proud of his daughter and was even more excited than her.

"It's been a truly memorable occasion. We've been so lucky to be here for this all important match. And for Isabelle to have this role at the Final was something we will never forget."

Ninety-six children from across New Zealand won the opportunity to be an ANZ Future Captain, accompanying the captain of a participating team for each Rugby World Cup 2011 match of the Tournament.

Managing Director for Retail at ANZ, Kerri Thompson, said the bank was thrilled to be able to offer this money can't buy experience to so many Kiwi kids.

"The stories that have come back from the children about their experiences have been incredibly heart-warming. Not only did they play an official role in Rugby World Cup 2011, but they got the opportunity to stand by the best rugby players in the world, hear the spine-tingling cheers from the huge crowds and be watched by millions of rugby followers both in New Zealand and around the world.

"It is something they will remember for a lifetime," Kerri Thompson said.