Different generations of rugby met in West Auckland today, with the touring English rugby team visiting a food bank run by an All Blacks great.
Sir Michael Jones said it was a "fantastic touch" by the team, given they had barely been in the country for 48 hours before they offered to help pack food boxes.
"To see them come straight to the community, particularly those in need in this city, speaks volumes of who they are and their leadership."
The English players also paid for and brought some of their own groceries, including Yorkshire tea.
Touching down on Monday night from Japan, the English team have already made a point to meet the community, planning to visit an Auckland children's hospital on Friday.
Captain Jamie George was thrilled to meet the All Blacks legend, telling him the team has "huge respect" for him.
"I'm sure my old man will be buzzing that I met you today," he said.
The English rugby team help out at a West Auckland foodbank run by All Blacks great Sir Michael Jones. (Source: 1News)
George, 33, has played nearly 100 combined tests for England and the Lions and is one of a few veterans in a young England squad.
He said the team will be "taking a step into the unknown" in Dunedin next week and are not entirely sure how the All Blacks will play under coach Scott Robertson.
"He's had huge success with the Crusaders, so we're picking their play will probably be similar in style."
England has also been trying to work in a new style as well, evident in a 40-point thumping of Japan in Tokyo last weekend. They played attacking football in hot conditions, led by an impressive young first-five Marcus Smith.
League great Kevin Sinfield is part of the new-look English coaching squad and has introduced young players raised playing more attacking rugby.
He knows Kiwi culture well, winning UK Superleague titles with Leeds under former Warriors and Kiwis coach Brian McLennan.
"Clearly rugby's important for us, results and performances ... but experiences, some life lessons for us too."
George said his message for the squad as they explore New Zealand is to "soak it in, to love it and enjoy it".
"This is what rugby for me is all about, coming out on tours like this to hostile places, trying to compete against the best."
England has won only two tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand: 51 years ago at Eden Park in 1973, then a 30-year wait until 2003, where star first-five Jonny Wilkinson kicked the English to victory in Wellington.
That same team would go on to win the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
They will be hoping a new 21-year drought can be broken next week.
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