Wales' monumental World Cup victory over England at Twickenham resonated so much in this rugby-mad city that the All Blacks struggled to sleep last night such was the din.
They like their rugby here and they like celebrating, two elements which combined for a perfect storm of mayhem outside the All Blacks' central city hotel.
Hooker Keven Mealamu was one who suffered. "I couldn't get to sleep, I could just hear 'Wales, Wales', people screaming 'Wales' outside my bedroom window. It was a good game to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed it," he said.
This morning the streets were full of litter and other, even less savoury, evidence of the celebrations. Many residents appeared a little bleary eyed as the day dawned bright and clear but for the All Blacks, who put in what was described as a physical training session, it was business as usual.
Liam Messam, a late withdrawal for the victory over Namibia due to a tight calf, was on light duties, as were Colin Slade, who had a tight hamstring in that match at London's Olympic Stadium, and Beauden Barrett, who has a whiplash-type neck injury caused by a heavy tackle.
The hard work is being put in for what is likely to be a physical encounter against Georgia at the Millennium Stadium.
The Georgians, who have a massive pack, will be a good test of where the All Blacks are following an impressive finish to their opener against Argentina and a disappointing second-half against Namibia.
"It's an awesome opportunity for the tight five to go out there and test ourselves," lock Sam Whitelock said.
Another being tested will be wing Waisake Naholo, due to return from his broken leg on Sunday NZT.
Fellow wing Julian Savea said the Highlanders player - Super Rugby's top try scorer this year - had applied himself diligently during his time on the sidelines.
"What's good about him is that he comes to ask questions," Savea said. "He works really hard on what his role looks like. Even though he hasn't been able to do much training he's doing some stuff off the field and trying to get his mind familiarised with the game plan and what we're trying to do as outsides.
Hurricane Savea, who played on the losing side against Naholo in the Super Rugby final in Wellington, added: "He's a try-scoring machine. He's quick and explosive and I'm happy to be on his side rather than against him."
By Patrick McKendry in Cardiff
Source - NZ Herald
