Rodney So'oialo makes his pilgrimage

LAWRENCE SMITH

HUMBLED: Rodney So'oialo outside Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.

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So, Rodney So'oialo got his miracle after all.

The stand-in All Blacks skipper had spoken about what it would mean to him to see Leonardo da Vinci's iconic mural, The Last Supper, at the Santa Maria delle Grazie here in Milan.

But the 30-year-old devout Christian, shortly after being named skipper for Saturday's historic test against Italy at the San Siro, admitted that he would need a "miracle" because viewing was not possible without an appointment that had to be made months in advance.

Of course here in Italy the All Blacks have been treated like royalty all week, and it turns out that they have the sort of standing in this country that can open doors.

Even doors to refectories where priceless works of art reside.

So'oialo told Fairfax Media today he was "humbled" by the opportunity to visit the sacred place as he led a group of All Blacks on their pilgrimage to one of da Vinci's iconic pieces of art, representing the 'Last Supper' when Jesus announces that one of his 12 apostles is soon to betray him.

"Growing up and seeing the replica of the painting, I always wondered what it really looks like," said So'oialo shortly before heading inside.

"Being a Christian and having faith in the Lord it's always been something I've wanted to look at.

"We're fortunate enough to have an opportunity to do that today and we're actually quite humbled. In saying that, we've got a big task at hand this weekend so that comes first."

His "miracle" achieved, So'oialo can now concentrate on one other appearance at one of Milan's more sacred places.

The San Siro awaits, and an Italian side sure to be in less welcoming mood.

- © Fairfax NZ News