The men in black visit Stratford | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

It's not very often the All Blacks come to town, so last Friday, Stratford made the most of it.

Conrad Smith, Andy Ellis and Adam Thompson visited Stratford as part of their campaign to visit 11 small towns throughout New Zealand. The  day consisted of signing rugby balls, answering questions and being shown that
small towns have huge support.

Although the men arrived at the Marire Rest Home half an hour late, none of the staff members were going to tell them off, they arrived and that's what mattered. The men in black joined the residents in a game of bingo.

``Thanks very much for having us along. It's really awesome. We will be trying to make you all very proud during the world cup,'' says Conrad Smith, who has family living in Stratford.

``What he means is, they are going to win,'' Corban Oakes says, who  hosted the All Blacks for the day and was kitted out in the latest All Blacks gear.

The next stop was the War Memorial Hall where local primary schools packed in to welcome the men to our town. The hairs on the back of  the men's necks stood as they walked into the hall, hearing the students chant ``All Blacks'' with passion.

``Days like this are extra special. Getting to play games for your country is a really unique feeling but little things like this and seeing you chant ``All Blacks'' when we walk in the room, it's just as special,'' Conrad told the students.

Their day in Stratford was ``over whelming'' and would leave a mark on the team they say.

``This is just a true testament of the support the All Blacks have from this community. It makes you very proud to be a New Zealander,'' says Conrad.

Kaponga Primary School student Gemma Hann (13), was excited to meet the players, especially Conrad.

``It's pretty awesome that they come here to a small town,'' she says.

For Conrad, it was neat to be able to visit his home province,  and catch up with family and friends.

``I enjoy coming back here, regardless of the footy.''