As the 2019 Rugby World Cup fast approaches, the 20 competing teams are starting to arrive in Japan, and the defending champions New Zealand were given a warm welcome they would be very familiar with.
The All Blacks landed in Tokyo on Monday before making their way to Kashiwa where they were greeted by Japanese schoolchildren who performed a haka at the team hotel.
ニュージーランド代表は、日本の子供たちによるハカで熱烈な歓迎を受けました🇳🇿👏#RWC2019 #BACKBLACK
— ラグビーワールドカップ (@rugbyworldcupjp) September 10, 2019
pic.twitter.com/oNVrM4SS7y
"A fantastic welcome, mind-blowing really," Steve Hansen, coach of the two-time defending world champions, said.
As well as the haka-style greeting from the schoolkids, New Zealand players and staff were welcomed by hundreds of fans seeking photos and autographs, with Sonny Bill Williams proving the most popular - unsurprising given his spell in Japanese rugby.
🙌🏽 Thanks for the welcome, Kashiwa! 🇳🇿🇯🇵#BACKBLACK pic.twitter.com/8DDiV8ydec
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 9, 2019
The All Blacks then took to the Kashiwanoha Stadium for a training session on Tuesday as they prepare for their blockbuster opening Rugby World Cup game against rivals South Africa on September 21.
