All Blacks farewell Christchurch

STACY SQUIRES

BRING BACK THE CUP: All Black captain Richie McCaw signs autographs in Victoria Square.

Relevant offers

Victoria Square was almost filled to the brim today as All Black well wishers jostled for a shot of their favourite player.

Encouraged by the sunny weather, around 2000 people packed into the square for Christchurch's farewell to the world cup team.

The Rugby World Cup 2007 begins in exactly a month today in France. Cellphones and digital cameras were out in force as All Blacks captain Richie McCaw spoke of the team's hopes for bringing home the trophy.

"This is our first time together as a world cup squad and the excitement within the squad is really building, we can't wait to get over there and get stuck in," he said to a cheer from the crowd.

Coach Graham Henry described Canterbury as the backbone of New Zealand rugby. "I know they will go to France and give it their best shot. I think they will win the cup, I can't guarantee it, but I have got that feeling," he said. Mayor Garry Moore took the opportunity to make a joking bid for the 2011 World Cup final.

"We are all with you and we look forward to you bringing the cup home so when the final of the World Cup is held in Christchurch in 2011, we will be defending it on our own patch." Christchurch has been painting the town black in the build up to the French event and in the hope of gaining a semi-final in the 2011 World Cup by putting the city's rugby spirit on show.

Former captain Reuben Thorne was all in favour of a 2011 semi-final being held in Canterbury.

"I think there would be plenty of support, but it all depends on the stadium and if we can get that up to scratch," he said.

Christ College student Calum Fisher was on his way to getting the whole team's autographs with five minutes to go.

The 13-year-old said he would be staying up late to watch the World Cup games and would love to see a semifinal here in 2011.

"I would definitely watch it," he said.