A roaring crowd greeted a black helicopter bearing two All Blacks to Balclutha yesterday, a visit made more special with the presence of five glittering rugby trophies.
For 12-year-old Milton boy Sam Brown, it was the culmination of a month of eager anticipation.
Sam was one of 70 young rugby players from South and West Otago invited to train with All Blacks Andrew Hore and Aaron Smith, and Otago players Marshall Suckling, Hugh Blake, Jackson Hemopo and Solomon T-Pole.
''I've been really excited since I found out about a month ago. The highlight was getting to talk to Andrew Hore ... they're really good guys.''
Hore said he was glad to be in South Otago again after coaching players in the district a couple of weeks ago.
The youngsters quizzed Hore for training tips, but were quizzed in turn by Hore about their pet sheep.
The public also had the chance to get up close with the Bledisloe Cup, the Webb Ellis Cup, the Women's World Cup, and the men's and women's sevens world cups.
Sport Clutha co-ordinator Tiny Carruthers said the day went well despite strong winds. Children had enjoyed the training session as well as the chance to run relays with Otago players.
The session was also well-supported by local coaches, who ran drills alongside the All Blacks and Otago players.
After a 30-minute session, Hore and Smith returned to Dunedin via helicopter, farewelled by an adoring Southern crowd.
