As hockey players they make good Rugby World Cup champions.

The mighty All Blacks spent their first full day in Hamilton yesterday coming to grips with our inclement weather and going head-to-head with the equally as mighty Black Sticks as part of a media event to showcase the All Blacks' support for New Zealand's entire Olympics squad.

And while a certain Mr Honor Dillon (Dan Carter) missed the session, the rest of the ABs were on hand to grab a stick and give the sport a go.

Captain Richie McCaw, who copped an injury to his right hand during last Saturday's victory over Ireland in Christchurch, had to sit the hockey out.

But he looked on as his squad hacked at the hockey balls and more than likely made the team doctor a bit nervous with their less-than-graceful skills with the sticks.

And he watched as every single player had two shots at goal, and as every single player missed both his shots.

Some, like newcomer Ben Tameifuna, missed the ball completely and promptly tripped over their own feet.

What did their captain make of their efforts?

"They are pretty competitive and pretty awful to be honest," McCaw said. "They should stick to rugby probably."

But the boys were there to support the Black Sticks and the whole New Zealand Olympic squad, and McCaw said he was more than happy to help out.

"We are right behind our Olympic team and want to wish all the athletes the very best as they get ready for London," he said.

"All the guys in the All Blacks take a keen interest in other sports, whether it be weightlifting, hockey or athletics, and like the rest of New Zealand, we will be cheering on our team."

The All Blacks will be in Hamilton for the rest of the week.

They will be preparing for Saturday's third and final test match against Ireland at Waikato Stadium.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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