VIDEO: Air New Zealand ground crew give All Blacks a stirring Haka send-off

You better believe the Kiwis got a blitzing World Cup send-off.

The All Blacks touch down in England some time on Friday morning with the memory of a superb tribute fresh in their minds. The world champions were given a superb send-off by members of the Air New Zealand ground crew at Auckland International Airport, on Thursday. The crew assembled in war dance formation and delivered a rousing haka just before the plane taxied away for take-off. We challenge any other competing nation to beat this.

Air New Zealand ground crew sent the All Blacks off to #RWC2015 in perhaps the most Kiwi way ever! pic.twitter.com/6j17mQ2bwq

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) September 11, 2015

Over in South Africa, meanwhile, students of St Peter's College formed a jubilant guard of honour for the departing Springboks after their final training session at their digs. Hearts broken, hearts soaring, as the students waved off their heroes.

Thanks to @stpeterscoll for the warm send-off after the Boks' final field session this morning. pic.twitter.com/6O5v9wnKsy — South African Rugby (@Springboks) September 10, 2015

The first nation to plant a flag in Blighty were Fiji, who arrived on Thursday. A nifty welcoming ceremony saw the Fiji squad arrive at Hampton Court Palace to be greeted by a choir from Thurstable School from Tiptree, Essex, who admirably performed 'World In Union'.