The Bound By Black book tour kicked off in Auckland today with All Black greats Frank Bunce and Christian Cullen signing the book in Aotea Square.
Fans soon started queueing to sign and to meet the former players, who were there for photos and to sign autographs.
Bunce told NZPA he was very proud to be part of the book tour, and hoped to encourage lots of people to sign it.
"It's nice to get out and experience a little bit of the fever which is building up at the moment.
"I do think the All Blacks are in a better place, and they've come through a hell of a lot in terms of World Cups.
"There's not much more we can learn. We've got good depth and the team is sailing along quite nicely, so I think it will take something quite major to upset the boat," Bunce said.
Former fullback Cullen, nicknamed the "Paekakariki Express" because of his speed, said they were hoping to get four million messages in the book.
"It's going to be pretty impressive once it's done. Just like everybody else, I obviously want the All Blacks to win this year. I'm pretty confident that we'll have the best team.
"But we'll have to watch out for Australia, South Africa and France, if they decide to turn up (play well). Hopefully this book will inspire them to go all the way," Cullen said.
There will be four signings in Auckland, at the Royal Easter Show tomorrow, and on May 1 in Albany and Mt Roskill, then it will head to Wellington on May 21 and 22, and Christchurch on June 4 and 5.
Fans overseas or those who can't attend can sign online at boundbyblack.co.nz. Their messages will be added into the book before it is presented to the All Blacks.
