Jaw-dropping moment for lucky young All Blacks fan

All Black Dan Carter leaves Jake Thornton (centre) speechless. Photo / Greg Bowker

Jake Thornton was left speechless, mouth hanging open, when his rugby hero Dan Carter told him he would be going to next month's Rugby World Cup.

The Albany 12-year-old - who will be the team mascot for the All Blacks' opening clash against Argentina at Twickenham on September 21 - was one of many rugby fanatics at Vector Arena in Auckland last night.

Jake, who attends Albany Junior High School and plays fullback for East Coast Bays, was selected as the New Zealand winner of the Land Rover Mascot Competition.

His father, Leigh Thornton, said: "He just couldn't believe it, he was out of words." Jake will travel to Britain with Mr Thornton's brother and grandfather, and will stay to watch a few other games.

Jake's identical twin brother, Cole, was "over the moon" for him.

The black tie event, put on by Duco Events, gave guests the chance to hear from All Black skipper Richie McCaw (inset) and Carter before the team leaves to defend the Cup they won in 2011. The two rugby icons were joined by friend and former All Black Ali Williams.

The 1000 people who attended - including at least seven former and current All Blacks - were treated to a four-course dinner, and live entertainment from Dave Dobbyn.

Organisers were hoping to raise more than $200,000 for the iSport Foundation charity set up by McCaw, Carter and Williams, which helps to fund able and disabled athletes aged between 12 and 18 to take part in sport.