All Blacks make great entrance (+video and pics)

All Black Liam Messam arrives in Whakatane yesterday Photo/Ben Fraser

The All Blacks know how to make an entrance.

More than 1000 people welcomed Liam Messam, Sam Cane and Tawera Kerr-Barlow when they flew in by helicopter to Mataatua Reserve, Whakatane yesterday.

The trio's visit was part of the All Blacks to the Nation competition, where towns competed for team members to drop into various schools, marae and public venues, before they leave for the Rugby World Cup.

Fans of all ages had been eagerly waiting for them and crowded the cordons which marked their passage, for at least 500m, to the stage.

They took time to sign autographs before being formally greeted by Ngati Awa kaumatua Pouroto Ngaropo and Whakatane mayor Tony Bonne who was armed with gifts of sunglasses and cans of sunshine for the players.

Image 1 of 8: All Blacks in Whakatane Photo/Ben Fraser

"It's great to be here, look at Whakatane you've come out in force to welcome the All Blacks," Mr Bonne said.

"Our job here today is to wish them well for the World Cup."

The three players each thanked the masses that attended before answering questions.

"Thanks for the wicked, warm welcome, it's great to be here," Reporoa-raised Bay of Plenty Steamer Cane said.

"Pressure of being an All Black? It makes it a hell of a lot easier when you get out here and realise you have so much support ... when we get out there, we just go and play footy and enjoy, concentrate on doing your job and enjoy it."

Messam was asked who he thought would win today's rugby match between his old school, Rotorua Boys' High School (Raukura) and St Kentigern College.

"Is that a serious question? Boys' High all day. They're playing a bigger school, I think Jerome Kaino went there, flash school ... but I think the boys over the hill can do the damage."

The crowd performed a haka which was part of the town's video entry to win yesterday's visit. They players also visited a local marae and Opotiki.

"I think it's a privilege to have them here," Te Teko Under 9 rugby coach, Iraia Peri said.
"Hopefully they will go all the way for the World Cup."

A group of 23 children from Te Teko Kohanga Reo were also part of the crowd, holding up signs of support and silver fern emblems painted on their faces.

"It's been awesome - tino pai," kaioko (teacher) Lorraine Hale said.

"It's also been great having the comradeship of everyone here today, all the schools.

"This is a really special day having the All Blacks in our region and our tamariki love them."

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