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CHRISTCHURCH. — Thousands of people yesterday lined the streets of central Christchurch to watch the victorious All Blacks parade through the city to Hagley Park.

Fans had been waiting on the streets since early in the morning, ensuring a good position to take photos and cheer at the All Blacks.

Dan Carter said it was great to be back in the Garden City.

“We had a good day yesterday in Auckland but a few of us Cantabrians are pretty excited to be back here.”

It was a beautiful sunny day in Christchurch for the parade.

Coach Steve Hansen was impressed by the turnout.

“Always great supporters here in Canterbury. Just a privilege to be able to be a part of it.”

Isaac Cowper waited since 11am, but said he didn’t mind because the All Blacks are awesome.

Some fans in Christchurch had been waiting since 9am to catch a glimpse of the All Blacks.

Tamara Lane has been supporting the All Blacks since she was 10 years old, and said it had been worth the wait.

The boys in black travelled through parts of the central city from 2.30pm.

Carter’s former secondary school, Christchurch Boys’ High, closed its doors early yesterday, for students to join the celebrations.

The school finished shortly before 1.30pm to allow students to attend the victory parade.

A number of All Blacks, including brothers Ben and Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Colin Slade, and coach Steve Hansen are also old boys of the school.

Other schools also finished up early, including Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, which cancelled its classes for the afternoon.

Christ’s College didn’t close, but the school said it made it possible for students to go to the parade. — New Zealand Herald.