All Blacks unite generations as Christchurch counts down to test
Saturday, 4 July 2026
When Alys Edwards walked into the All Blacks' captain's run on Friday, she wasn't just another fan.
The 101-year-old Cashmere resident had spent more than eight decades cheering on the national side, and after a lifetime of support, finally got to meet one of her rugby heroes.
Sharing smiles and a hug with All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor, the moment marked the latest chapter in a relationship with the team that stretches back decades.
“It’s unbelievable,” Edwards said after the meeting.
Edwards, who turned 101 on June 15, first fell in love with rugby through her late husband and has rarely missed a match involving the All Blacks.
“I think it’s just… we like the boys to be playing and winning.”
Her connection with the All Blacks deepened in the late 1980s when she met Sir Wayne “Buck” Shelford, Gary Whetton and Alan Whetton, while they were visiting patients at Burwood Hospital.
Edwards' mother was receiving treatment in the spinal unit after suffering a stroke, giving the lifelong supporter an unexpected opportunity to meet some of the game's biggest names.
More than three decades later, another Canterbury All Black became part of her story. For her 100th birthday, Taylor recorded a personalised video message, affectionately calling her “Nana Alys” – a nickname that stuck.
Meeting Taylor in person on Friday was the culmination of the friendship.
“He made me feel so special. I just feel that he could be my grandson.
“I'm proud of him.”
Her granddaughter, Millie Grenfell, said the invitation meant far more than simply meeting an All Black.
“The first thing she said to me was, ‘I haven't been forgotten’. A little thing to some people is huge to others. Getting to come here is massive.
“It's quite magical.”
The sold-out test between the All Blacks and France on Saturday will be the national team’s first match at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch.
Venues Ōtautahi expects around 30,000 fans to attend, with 32% travelling from outside Canterbury. The match is forecast to deliver an estimated $8 million boost to the regional economy.
Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury spokesperson Peter Morrison said accommodation across the city was close to capacity.
“Most hotels and motels are pretty full. There might be the odd room available, but in the city especially, they're all pretty full.”
Booking.com also reflected the demand, with 91% of Christchurch accommodation listed as unavailable for Saturday night on Friday afternoon.
Morrison expected the game to attract an even bigger crowd than last weekend's Warriors match.
“We haven't had the All Blacks here for quite a number of years now. It's great to have them back in the city.'
Young All Blacks fan Kaylen Foster, 5, who is dreaming of wearing the black jersey himself one day, got to meet some of his heroes on Friday.
The Lincoln Rugby Club junior met All Blacks’ players during a drill at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre, an experience his mum, Mercedes Foster, said he will never forget.
“He was so excited. He was loving doing all the drills with all the players and getting to meet them one-on-one.”
Rugby has always been part of their family’s life, she said.
“We've gotten him into playing rugby himself and he comes and sits with us and watches the teams,” Foster said.
The anticipation of watching the All Blacks play had made bedtime a bit harder, she said.
“Yesterday, he didn't want to sleep because he knew that he was going to be having the opportunity to meet the All Blacks.
“He was so excited when he woke up.”
At The Loft, manager Mason Lattimore said the atmosphere had already arrived.
“Already, just people walking around town, you can tell there’s a bit of a hum about the city,” he said.
“Even last night, there were people from out of town in the bars.”
He said the central city stadium had transformed event weekends.
“Something about the stadium being in the city, especially walking distance from the bars down here.
“I'm not exactly sure what the magic is, but there's definitely something in the air.”
The Loft has stocked up for the rush, with the chiller “absolutely chocka”.
The French community was also embracing the occasion.
Alliance Française Canterbury committee member Fanny Laine was helping organise a pre-match celebration, featuring a rugby quiz, appearances by former rugby players, French food and a live screening of the test with French commentary.
“It is super exciting. We are also projecting the French team soccer game… we are going to be very busy this weekend.”
Nearby, Hugo restaurant owner David Warring said his venues had been booked solid for weeks, with more than 500 guests expected across private pre- and post-match functions.
“It's going to be a massive weekend.”