Kiwi fans of all ages will be glued to their TVs when the All Blacks launch their Rugby World Cup defence but for one of the side's youngest fans - and his parents - the event will be even more special.
Jayden Webb Ellis Namoa will turn 4 on October
Rugby World Cup on birthday gift list
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Naufahu and Sylvia Namoa and son Jayden. Photo / Michael Craig
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"It's been a great four years for us as parents, Jayden's a healthy, happy boy and time has really flown by. I can't believe it's almost four years.
"We've still got some great memories of that morning at Middlemore Hospital - and of what happened the night before at Eden Park."
With just six days until England and Fiji kick-off the World Cup at Twickenham in London, Naufahu says the whole family, including Jayden's 7-year-old brother Siokatame, will be getting out of bed early to follow the All Blacks' title defence from their home in Otahuhu, South Auckland.
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Naufahu even hopes his son's special milestone will bring the boys in black a bit of good fortune from a living room on the other side of the world, especially in the hoped-for semifinal showdown.
"Hopefully the All Blacks will make it to that game, they might have to play Ireland or France in the quarter-finals, which could be tough," he said.
"We hope it will bring the All Blacks a bit of luck, it would be great if we could celebrate Jayden's birthday and getting to the World Cup final on the same day."
