Richie McCaw 's take on the matter. This is no jaunt
#Richie McCaw #AllBlack Captain leading the way at Tower Bridge
"As a player you don't want to talk too much about the World Cup until you actually get the ticket. I know the excitement has been building but to actually get on the plane a day ago now it's what it's all about," he said. "Watching highlights of previously tournaments there heightens anticipation and expectations. It's awesome to finally be here and we're looking forward to getting started."
"The pleasantries won't last long. This is no jaunt."
Fans at The Tower of London
The Tower of London, situated in the central city on the north bank of the River Thames, played host to their official arrival.
The historic and beautiful castle, the former royal residence once home to oppression and execution and now the crown jewels, emphasised the scale and significance the eighth World Cup promises to bring throughout the next seven weeks.
Dan Carter, left, and Beauden Barrett, right, stroll through the grounds of the Tower of London following the All Blacks' official Rugby World Cup welcome in the English capital on Friday (Saturday NZ time).
Rookie wing #Waisake Naholo snapped pictures of guards and marvelled at the venue's grandeur as the team walked to have their photo taken. He wasn't alone in soaking up the occasion.
Official World Cup caps and participation medals for all 31 players weren't the only gifts, either. One week out from the tournament opener, #Richie McCaw, and his men also received a small sample of the hype and hysteria that will track their every move.
Half a day on the ground and their popularity is already clear. Even London Mayor Alan Yarrow said in his address they were icons of the sport.
Steve Hansen makes a statement
"We'll do a little bit for England, too, because I know they're just staying here in London," #Hansen said in reference to the #All Blacks, playing pool matches in London, Newcastle and Cardiff. "Those of you who are worried about that, we'll look after them."
"World Cups are special events, the pinnacle for a rugby player no matter which country they come from. It's about winning on one hand and on the other connecting with the country that you're in and making it special."
"We know we're guaranteed to be here for four weeks. We're hoping it's a little longer than that but we'll wait and see if we're good enough to do that."
