Auckland - The All Blacks returned home to a frenzy of support on Wednesday, with airport workers giving them a haka on the tarmac in Auckland before the team triumphantly displayed the Rugby World Cup to screaming fans.
The team's flight NZ1 arrived shortly after 7am (18h00 GMT on Tuesday), with the event televised live on several channels in the rugby-mad nation.
Airport workers honoured them with a Maori war dance performed in heavy rain on the runway shortly after touch down.
Inside the airport, about 4 000 black-clad supporters, some of whom had camped out overnight for a glimpse of their heroes, packed the arrivals hall to greet them.
undefinedSkipper Richie McCaw, clutching the William Webb Ellis trophy, emerged first, thanking the fans and saying the team had appreciated the entire country's backing during the tournament.
“The support's been amazing, so to bring this back is pretty awesome,” McCaw said.
“It's not too bad is it?” chimed in coach Steve Hansen, gesturing towards the trophy. “We're getting pretty used to having it around too.”
New Zealand's 34-17 victory over Australia in the final at Twickenham on Saturday was the first time a team has ever won back-to-back World Cups.
It also gave the All Blacks a record three titles and was the first time the New Zealanders have won the trophy away from home.
Star pivot Dan Carter, who has confirmed his international retirement and will head to France, was thrilled at the passion displayed by fellow Kiwis.
“It's such a special feeling,” Carter told reporters. “We're all proud New Zealanders and it's amazing to see the support that we've got.
“We'd read about it and spoken to family and friends back home, but to see it first hand... it's great.”
McCaw said the team were exhausted after their campaign but still looking forward to a victory parade through Auckland later Wednesday, followed by similar events in Christchurch and Wellington on Thursday and Friday.
“Glad to be home, it'll be nice to be in your own bed, we've been in 12 different hotels since we left,” he said.
“But we're going to enjoy the next few days going around the country and saying thanks.”
Prime Minister John Key said the mood in New Zealand was “euphoric” and fans were eager to show the All Blacks how proud they were of the team, which has been hailed by pundits as the greatest to ever play the game.
He said even Britain's Prince Charles and wife, Camilla, who arrive in New Zealand later Wednesday for an official visit, were keen to congratulate McCaw's men, schedules permitting.
“There's no question they'd like to meet up with them, they obviously can see what a big deal it is for New Zealand and how celebrated they will be,” Key told TV3.
He refused to speculate on whether his “close friend” McCaw would retire on a high after the win.
“In the end, the guy's played 148 Tests and won two Rugby World Cups, he'll know when the right time is.”
AFP