All Blacks mingle with everyday Kiwis nationwide before they head to the UK for the Rugby World Cup. Tony Woodcock, Sonny Bill Williams and Aaron Smith headed to Mairangi Bay pre-school Small Fries and Long Bay Primary
All Blacks fans got an up-close-and-personal dose of the men in black throughout the country today - and we've got the pics to prove it.
Cara Herewini talks with All Blacks Keven Mealamu during a special assemble at Pakakura Normal School. Photo / Greg Bowker, NZ Herald
Papakura Normal School student Cara Herewini and All Black Keven Mealamu share a chuckle at this student-made book.
• Best action shot:
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith with a young fan. Photo / Brett Phibbs, NZ Herald
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith checks out the strong kicking technique of a young fan.
• Best up-close-and-personal:
Sonny Bill Williams with a young fan at Small Fries Kindergarten, Mairangi Bay, Auckland. Photo / Brett Phibbs, NZ Herald
There's not much closer you can get to footy star Sonny Bill Williams - and this youngster from Small Fries is loving it.
• Best photo opportunity:
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith and Sonny Bill Williams wash up after getting their hand painted. Photo / Brett Phibbs, NZ Herald
Parents and teachers turned into paparazzi at the childcare centre to nab a photo of Aaron Smith and Sonny Bill Williams in the kitchen.
• Best snack time:
All Black Jerome Kaino poses for a photo with four year old Blake Cosgrove and his dad David. Photo / Greg Bowker, NZ Herald
All Black Jerome Kaino was busy handing out lollies to jetsetters checking in at Auckland Airport, and stopped for this photo with 4-year-old Blake and his dad David Cosgrove.
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith, Sonny Bill Williams and Tony Woodcock at Small Fries Kindergarten, Mairangi Bay. Photo / Brett Phibbs, NZ Herald
Laughter was in the air at Small Fries kindergarten with Aaron Smith, Sonny Bill Williams and Tony Woodcock taking part in mat-time.
• Best helping hand:
All Blacks Sonny Bill Williams and Aaron Smith help passengers at Auckland Domestic Airport. Photo / Greg Bowker, NZ Herald
A passenger looks on as Sonny Bill Williams loads his bag onto the carousel at Auckland Airport.
• Best reunion:
Senior Leader Wayne Rangihuna from Alfriston College and former teacher of Jerome Kaino share a joke with other team mates Brodie Retallick, Keven Mealamu and Malakai Fekitoa. Photo / Greg Bowker
Jerome Kaino and his former Papakura High School teacher Wayne Rangihuna catch up.