The Webb Ellis Cup is in Wellington, and its first stop has been the resting place of a very special All Blacks legend.
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Flanker Jerome Kaino posted a picture on Instagram on Thursday of himself, Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu and Liam Messam with the Webb Ellis Cup at Jerry Collins' grave in Porirua.
It included the message: "Belated Happy Birthday USO! Love you uce! Always got you #JC6."
Collins and his Canadian partner, Alana Madill, 35, died instantly in a car crash in southern France in June. The 48-test All Black would have turned 35 on Wednesday.
As well as bringing the Rugby World Cup, Collins' five All Blacks mates also attached a "Happy Birthday" balloon to his tombstone.
Hooker Keven Mealamu tweeted just after 6pm on Thursday that the team had touched down in the capital, and he posted a video of their plane landing.
"Wellington, we have arrived. Looking forward to sharing the Rugby World Cup with you all tomorrow."
Wellington We Have Arrived Look Forward to Sharing The #RWCup With You All Tomorrow #AllBlackEverything @FlyAirNZ pic.twitter.com/p0L9zd0Bib— keven_mealamu (@kevenmealamu)
November 5, 2015
Wellington's Rongotai College – which had seven old boys involved in the World Cup in one way or another – will be front and centre when All Blacks parade the Webb Ellis Cup through the CBD on Friday afternoon.
When the school performs a welcome haka for the rugby world champions, it will be a fitting testament to a school that produced five players at the 2015 tournament, as well as two commentators.
Wellington We Have Arrived Look Forward to Sharing The #RWCup With You All Tomorrow #AllBlackEverything @FlyAirNZ pic.twitter.com/p0L9zd0Bib— keven_mealamu (@kevenmealamu)
November 5, 2015
All Blacks Julian Savea and Ma'a Nonu are at the top of the class of Rongotai old boys, but two Samoan players and a Romanian also passed through the school's changing rooms.
Sky Sports commentators Grant Nisbett and Ian Smith are Rongotai old boys as well.
Principal Kevin Carter said the school and community were hugely proud of their Rugby World Cup legacy.
Rongotai was one of several Wellington schools who said they would give their pupils a chance to miss class to see their heroes up close, provided they had their parents' permission.
Plenty of young fans are expected to turn out for the parade. With NCEA exams scheduled to get serious from next week, welcoming home rugby's world champions will be the perfect study break for many in their final years.
There is good news on the weather front too, with a promising forecast that suggests the sun will glistening off the Webb Ellis Cup as the All Blacks parade it through the city.
The temperature is expected to hit 16 degrees, with only a light northerly making for a calm day in the capital.
Proceedings begin at Parliament at 11.30am, where the All Blacks will receive a brief welcome from the Speaker of the House.
They will then set off down Lambton Quay at midday, travelling along Willis St and Mercer St on their way to Civic Square.
Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and other dignitaries will meet the team about 1pm in Civic Square. The event will finish about 1.30pm.
Stuff.co.nz