One young Hurricanes fanatic has had his year made by act of generosity from Hurricanes skipper Ardie Savea.
As part of the latest episode of Paddy Gower Has Issues, the Mataia family headed along to Eden Park to take in the full matchday experience at New Zealand's spiritual home of rugby.
Mum Claire and her sons Rico and Nate are typically huge Blues fans. But for Nate, those allegiances are cast aside - at least for tonight - due to the arrival of his hero: All Blacks star Savea.
The Blues ensured a night to remember for the Mataias, with wing Mark Telea running rampant with a four-try evening in soggy conditions.
Rico's namesake and favourite player put the cherry on the top, running in the match-sealing try in a 36-25 win.
But the occasion reached a whole new level when Savea made his way over after the match to personally greet Nate, who was left speechless by his idol's presence.
"Thanks for supporting me, my man," Savea told his admirer, wrapping his arm around his shoulders.
Then - with the help of Paddy Gower Has Issues reporter Andrew Gourdie - Savea peeled his jersey off and handed it to Nate, leaving the young man with a souvenir for the ages.
During an age where many seem to prefer watching the game in the comfort of home than getting along in the flesh on a rainy Auckland evening, Claire notes it's moments like these that make the stadium experience worth the money and effort.
"Coming to the game is definitely next level from sitting and watching it at home on the couch," said Claire.
"Just the atmosphere at the games, hearing the crowd like you feel like you're part of it.
"It actually can be quite a cheap experience and a really fun good night out."
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