Crowds watch New Zealanders train at Nga Puna Wai

Seven-year-old Xanthe French-Rarity was among about 100 fans who took the opportunity to watch the New Zealand team train in Christchurch on Tuesday.

The New Zealand rugby league team took to the field at the Nga Puna Wai Sports Center ahead of Labor’s big sold-out match against Australia at Apollo Projects Stadium.

A crowd of enthusiastic young people, including Xanthe, collected signatures from the players, but were especially hoping to get one from their special hero: “Sean Johnson.”

The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns are in Christchurch this week preparing for their Pacific Championship doubleheader against Australia.

They will play in front of a sold-out crowd of 17,000 fans on Sunday at Apollo Projects Stadium.

The Christchurch Test is the first time the Ferns have played in the city since 1998.

The women are up first at 3:35 p.m., followed by the men at 6:05 p.m.

But before that, locals will have another chance to interact with the players at a special Fan Day on Wednesday afternoon.

Members of the New Zealand and Australian teams will sign autographs at Wainoni Park, as well as have photo opportunities, a Q&A session and even the chance to kick a ball with the players.

– Geoff Sloan, produced with support from NZ On Air.