Fans greet heroes as All Blacks arrive

The All Blacks have touched down in Dunedin for their first test of the season - a sold-out clash with France at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

About 30 fans met the squad when they landed at Dunedin Airport last night.

Coach Scott Robertson said Dunedin was a great place to be starting the international season.

"It's always cool to have a packed house and passionate rugby supporters in the Deep South," he said.

"Once they’ve had a few ales and got themselves where they need to be and warmed up a bit, they’re in fine voice."

Forsyth Barr was a "treasure" — "you want to play fast and it allows you to do that".

"It's good, because you cover the country, don't you? From the top to the bottom.

"The young players get to see their heroes play — everyone does."

All Blacks supporter Beau Jones, 8, was looking forward to watching Saturday’s game from the stands and said the All Blacks should be doing lots of passing.

Dunedin Venues and Forsyth Barr Stadium chief executive Paul Doorn said selling-out of tickets a week before Saturday’s game was "an outstanding outcome for Dunedin".

Stadium operations were in full swing, Dunedin Venues Management said.

The Compass catering team was preparing to serve four tonnes of frozen chips, 10,000 litres of beer and thousands of pies, corporate meals and hot beverages.

Operations manager Leah Stevens said delivering food and beverages to 29,000 people was "no small feat".

The operation required more than 400 Compass staff working a combined minimum of 4000 hours to set up, work the game and pack down afterwards.

The match begins at 7.05pm on Saturday. 

ruby.shaw@odt.co.nz