Special guests cheer on Italy at training

Italy have earned themselves some extra support ahead of their opening 2011 Rugby World Cup match against Australia on Sunday.

Papanui High School students were in the Nelson area for the Special Olympics New Zealand Regional Games, and after winning two silver medals on the basketball court they decided to take in Italy's Wednesday afternoon training.

The session was designated as a closed practice, but the Azzurri management decided to bend the rules and allowed the children to take photos of coach Nick Mallett putting his squad through their paces.

"It is pretty exciting to see this," said the school group's leader, Sharon Scott. "It's nice to feel part of the World Cup."

The afternoon was a particular bonus for the youngsters as many had been set to watch matches in Christchurch, where their school is based, before the earthquake that left Lancaster Park too damaged to host fixtures.

Even so, the group plan on getting into the spirit of RWC 2011 by cheering on local heroes Richie McCaw and Dan Carter at the fan zone in the city.