All Blacks captain Richie McCaw told huge crowds gathered to
salute the team in Wellington they couldn't have won the
World Cup without them.
Thousands of supporters are lining streets in the city centre
to get a glimpse of their heroes as they complete their third
and final victory parade this lunchtime.
The parade began in Civic Square about 12.25pm after
Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown told the "mighty All
Blacks'' they had lifted the gloom after a tough year
blighted by the Pike River disaster and Christchuch
earthquakes.
She thanked staff and volunteers who helped make the
tournament a huge success before McCaw addressed the crowd.
He said his side couldn't have won the Webb Ellis trophy
without the support they had from throughout the country.
The squad split into groups to climb onto several floats
before their journey along Willis Street and Lambton Quay to
Parliament.
Blustery, drizzly weather didn't deter the thousands lined up
on Lambton Quay to see the team.
Sandra Bednarek, dressed in an All Blacks flag and a "Keep
Calm, Piri's on'' t-shirt, said she and her kids wouldn't be
put off by the rain.
"We're hoping ... that it just stays like this,'' she said.
People found vantage points on roofs and were watching from
office buildings and multistorey car parks.
Two teenagers were perched in a tree halfway along the
capital's main shopping street.
Cheers erupted sporadically and fans took part in a Mexican
wave.
Nadene Mackey had a rugby bal signed by Israel Dagg and said
she was "stoked'' and that it would become a family heirloom.
Victoria University commerce students Angelka Vegar and Kate
Dogan had been staking out a spot since 10am carrying signs
for their heart-throbs, one of which read: "Kieran Read this
sign.''
Ms Vegar said she loved all the players but they had made the
signs for their favourites.
"They're just great players. Israel Dagg is single ... we
want them to come over and talk to us.''
On the prospects of a kiss from one of the players, Ms Vegar
said: "You never know.''
Adam Rikihana said he had been waiting 24 years for this.
He was keen to see all 30 in the squad but McCaw especially.
If he got the chance to speak with McCaw, he'd say: "Kia ora
man, well done.''
Rebecca Griffiths and her four children were also looking
forward to seeing the team.
"We're all very proud of them. It's great _ it's what we all
wanted.''
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.