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’.
