The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says there's an unusual level of excitement in his squad, who have flown out for Chicago on the first leg of their end of season tour.
Steve Hansen speaks to media. Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
Daniel Carter Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The coach says he and his players are looking forward to taking their game to the United States of America, where they'll play the US national rugby team, the Eagles, on November 2nd.
Hansen says the prop Charlie Faumuina is flying out a day later than the rest of the team to look after his heavily pregnant wife, who was reportedly involved in a road rage incident last week in Auckland.
The All Black talisman Dan Carter says he's almost the most excited he's ever been prior to an end of year tour, which he puts down to his lack of game time this year.
Carter has missed almost all rugby in 2014 due to injury and says he's still struggling with nerve damage around the site of leg fracture he suffered while playing for Canterbury.
The first-five says he's able to train and expects to be available for the match against the Eagles.
