When both the All Blacks and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra got off an Air New Zealand flight in Dunedin yesterday, there appeared to be some minor confusion - both from passengers and the waiting crowd.
The stars of the New Zealand orchestral scene must have thought they had become famous overnight when they were met by a large media scrum as they exited the plane.
One musician joked: ''Finally, we're getting the recognition we deserve.''
Alas, the horde of cameramen, photographers, journalists, and about 100 fans were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the All Blacks.
And it was not until they glimpsed the first recognisable All Black face that everything kicked into action.
The King's and Queen's kapa haka group provided a rousing haka, the crowd cheered and took advantage of an opportunity to get autographs, and the City of Dunedin Pipe Band created a guard of honour as they left the airport to catch their bus.
All Black hooker Keven Mealamu was impressed with the reception.
''Awesome welcome - love it,'' he said.
For Dunedin 22-year-old Samantha Botting, it was a fortuitous occasion.
She was on her way to Hamilton visit her father - a huge All Black fan - and celebrate his 50th birthday.
Making the most of the opportunity, she grabbed a large notepad from her bag, wrote ''Happy Birthday Dad'' and then proceeded to get as many All Blacks signatures as possible.
''Dad will love it. He's a really big fan. It's just pure luck that they are here.
''They are adorable - it was great how they all lined up and took the haka and then signed autographs. They were lovely to meet,'' she said.
NZSO principal trombonist David Bremner said the orchestra was not upset by the attention shown to the All Blacks.
In fact, many of the musicians had taken the opportunity to wish the team luck in its game against the Wallabies at Forsyth Barr Stadium this Saturday, he said.
The NZSO was in Dunedin for its ''Tall Tales and Tangos'' concert featuring Peter and the Wolf, narrated by former All Black Anton Oliver, at the Dunedin Town Hall last night.
