About 200 burgeoning players from nine Otago secondary schools got a close look at their All Black heroes yesterday.
• See pics of the All Black's recovery training session
The squad took some time out from preparing for its match against Wales at Carisbrook on Saturday to pass on some tips to the next generation.
Judging by some of the smiles, the special practice session went down a treat.
Otago Boys' High School first XV captain Isaac Gutschlag got the opportunity to pack down next to All Black hooker Aled de Malmanche and got lifting tips from All Black lock Brad Thorn.
Up close, Thorn was an impressive character, he said.
"He's a big boy all right.
He's definitely bigger than what the camera makes him look," Isaac said.
"He's been friendly today but you can definitely tell he's pretty frightening."
For most boys the day was an exercise in trying to remain cool in the presence of their idols while still doing their best to impress.
"It's like a normal practice but you want to try hard," he added.
At the other end of the Edgar Centre, some Kings' High School first XV backs practised their grubber kicks with experienced All Black fullback Mils Muliaina.
Winger-cum-centre Tim Tolovae was not convinced kicking was a good option, but he listened intently and practised keeping his head in front of his knee and his eye on the ball.
His team-mate, first five-eighth and fullback Charlton Robinson, was more enthusiastic.
"He taught me to keep my body straight and follow through with my leg," Charlton said.
The 15-year-old was a little in awe of his instructor and keen to impress.
