Family fly to cheer All Black

From left, sister Maria and dad Steve Coles, Jax, 1, Sarah Smith and mum Sonya Coles at Wellington Airport last night. Photo / Natalie Slade

The Rugby World Cup campaign of All Black star Dane Coles, below, is about to get a huge boost from his biggest fan - his infant son Jax.

Jax turned 1 two weeks ago. And last night he was winging his way to London with mum Sarah Smith, Dane's parents, Steve and Sonya, and the All Black hooker's sister Maria.

The Coles clan jetted out of Auckland ahead of the quarter-finals next weekend. And many other family members and friends of other All Blacks are set to do the same as the business end of the tournament kicks in.

The All Blacks qualified top of their pool after dispatching Tonga 47-9, and play their quarter-final in Cardiff next Sunday morning (NZT). They will play the loser of the France Ireland clash tomorrow.

Coles' Dad, Steve, 53, said his famous son can't wait to see his boy after missing his first birthday.

"Dane is desperate to see his family and he rings Sarah every day. I know he will have a huge smile on his face when he sees Jax.

"Dane said he is all good and he is enjoying living his dream but he is missing his family and to have them join him will be the icing on the cake.

"Jax of course has no idea yet Dane is a rugby player, never mind an All Black, and he will just be excited to see his Dad."

Coles played in the All Black matches with Argentina and Georgia and lined up in yesterday's game against Tonga.

"I've been happy with Dane's form, he has been solid," Steve said, "I was jumping up and down when he scored a try against Georgia."

The Coles family will be in Britain for the final three weeks of the World Cup. Steve believes Dane and the team will retain the Web Ellis Cup.

"The All Blacks are still the team to beat," he said.