Construction workers downed tools to watch the squad put through their paces ahead of Friday's test against Fiji at the ground the new stadium will replace, Carisbrook.
All Blacks manager Darren Shand and coach Graham Henry decided to give the players a chance to experience the venue, and its transparent roof, after a taking a tour of the facility when visiting the Highlanders during the Super 15 season.
"We suggested at the time that it would be nice if, while we were here for the Fiji match, we could get a run here," Shand said.
The confirmation only arrived yesterday but the All Blacks were eager to take up the offer, despite the site still being completed. After the players had taken to the field for the first time, Shand said at least one had given it the thumbs up.
"Andrew Hore just walked into the changing rooms and said 'I'm signing now'," Shand said of the All Blacks hooker who is looking to join the Highlanders for the next Super 15 season.
"You can't help but be impressed can you?"
The All Blacks were the first team to try out the surface and Shand said, apart from the novelty factor, there was also some benefit for the stadium in having the squad train there.
"They've got a number of things that they need to test within the stadium that we can help them with. The quid pro quo is that we get to be here and they get to see some things for the first time that they haven't seen yet .
"That's really helpful for them in terms of getting the stadium ready for rugby World Cup," Shand said.
The stadium, which will be known as the Otago Stadium during the rugby World Cup, is hosting four matches in the tournament.
The first competitive fixture to be played at the venue will be a Heartland Championship rugby match between North Otago and West Coast on August 7.
