The bench is one of 26 gifted by the All Blacks to communities around the country.
The two All Blacks signed autographs and had photos taken with Bluff junior rugby club members and children from Southland.
Front rower de Groot said it was important the All Blacks raised up the next generation, which is why they went to smaller communities like Bluff.
"I don’t even remember the last time Bluff had All Blacks down here, so to have me and Damian come down here is pretty cool."
He said the unveiling was a personal landmark for him, as it would be a place to return to and would remain for decades after his career had finished.
"It’s been a hell of a journey so far, but the journey will come to an end one day, and hopefully, this bench will be here long after I’m gone."
"In the future, I can come back here and know I was part of this."
McKenzie said he thought the benches were a great initiative that allowed the All Blacks to show their support for the rest of the country, especially to give back to the smaller communities and towns where they grew up.
"They are the towns and regions that have given us the opportunity to play the sport we love.
"When we go away to the World Cup, you’re on the bench with us and we are supporting you guys and I guess the communities are supporting us as well. It’s a really cool initiative."
He believed the smaller communities were the backbone of New Zealand and was pleased to be able to show his support to the next generation within them.
"It’s nice to be able to particularly come to Bluff because it’s a home region for both myself and Ethan. So it’s great for the younger generation for the younger kids to be able to connect with the All Blacks and their sporting idols and give them hope that it doesn’t matter where you come from, or walk of life, you can dream big and anything is possible."
Invercargill city councillor Grant Dermody said he thought the bench installation was a great idea.
"New Zealand rugby is about community. So it’s great to have two Southland boys doing this here at a really significant community in Southland."
By Toni McDonald
