The New Zealand All Blacks trained at Hawthorn’s Waverley Park facilities today ahead of the opening Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies on Saturday night at the MCG.

The All Blacks made use of Hawthorn’s lecture theatre and gym before taking to the oval for a series of recovery games.

The visit was special for one Hawk in particular – Trent Croad. Croad was born in New Zealand and his grandfather, Eric Bloggs, represented the country in rugby union between 1946-1949 including the tour of South Africa. Croad enjoyed the chance to mix with his heroes and talk tactics with All Blacks captain Richie McGaw

Saturday night will be the first time in 10 years the Bledisloe Cup will grace the hallowed turf of the MCG. The teams will meet again in Auckland on Saturday 21 July.