In Hamilton last Saturday night I was in receipt of the ultimate All Black fan experience. As a recipient of the NZ Rugby Union volunteer recognition program, we were one of three couples from the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and King Country, to enjoy a night that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Little did we know what awaited us as we were taken to Waikato Stadium. While we expected to enjoy pre and after match hospitality (and good seats in the stand) as guests of the NZ Rugby Union, it was a behind-the-scenes guided tour that blew us away.
Hosted throughout by a former All Black, the night really began when he suggested that we might like to have a look at areas where few people ever get to go. We just about fell over when he said the first port of call would be to go into the All Blacks dressing room.
When we arrived in the All Blacks inner sanctum, the team were on their way to the ground. Everything was ready to go with the support staff making final preparations, the evening timetable taped to walls and all the various sports drinks laid out.
On leaving the All Blacks changing rooms, we then stood in the tunnel outside the Springboks dressing shed as they arrived on their bus. Five minutes later we provided an audience for the All Blacks as they exited the bus to their changing rooms.
Just when we thought it couldn't get any better we were invited to go out and walk on the field – this being about three quarters of an hour before the big match began. While we went for a stroll on the paddock, Graham Henry and Wayne Smith walked past us – just metres away.
The final behind-the-scenes glimpse was a conducted tour through the Sky Television outside broadcast vans. It was like going into a space capsule – it seemed impossible that they could cram so much equipment and people into such confined spaces.
It was almost an anti-climax to return to the NZ Rugby Union room for a drink and snack before the game began. Talk about the best seat in the house – we were escorted to seats in the main stand that were right on half way.
There is only one word to describe the pre-game entertainment spectacular. While the young entertainers were superb with their show – the fireworks just about blew our socks off.
During the game, the full house went through a full range of emotions as it ebbed and flowed. There was despair as the All Blacks continued to drop the ball in the first half, and screams of joy when they went on attack (and score) in the second spell. The small smattering of South African supporters were vocal throughout, and in raptures when their side emerged triumphant.
During the weekend I cast my mind back to the last time I saw the All Blacks play South Africa. As an 11 year old school boy my father took me to see the 1956 Springboks in the second test at Athletic Park in Wellington.
How different test matches were 50 something years ago. We queued for three or four hours to get in. It was first in first serve for the best seats, with the keen camping overnight at the gates to ensure a seat on the old western bank.
Unfortunately like last Saturday night, the Springboks proved too good on the day, which was there only win of the four test series. While 50 odd years apart, both South African tests will remain in my memory forever.