Williams was more hesitant when asked his opinion yesterday, but said "hopefully it is a good luck charm".
Weepu said he had heard "chinese whispers" about the supposedly psychic calf, but he had no idea whether Richie McCaw was aware of his bovine offsider.
"But don't worry, when I see him next I'm going to mention it."
The three All Blacks were paraded on the back of a ute past shops decorated with banners - including one saying "bring back Buck" - and black and white balloons.
Brian Thomas of Kaikohe watched as his grandson Johnny Cooper, 11, scrambled for an autograph.
"They've all been up before daylight," he said. "It's excellent for the kids. You can see what it means, see [the All Blacks] interacting with everyone. They're great ambassadors."
After a welcome at the Kaeo Rugby Club, the players refereed several junior rugby games each, with Williams in particular looming over his charges.
Hamish Ruawai, principal of Kaikohe West School, watched Weepu referee his year 5 and 6 rugby side.
He said the day was special, particularly so close to the world cup.
"A lot of our kids probably won't go to a world cup game, so seeing the players here makes a big difference."
Weepu said he left the field with a new appreciation for what referees put up with.
"It was terrible. That last group I had, one of the girls said I needed her father's glasses."
Williams reported a smoother ride: "They were all right. A coach from the other side tried to chime in and be a ref, but I said, 'Come on now, we've got to keep things fair'."
