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Italy welcomes AB Milan

Friday 05th December 2008

No diving here: AC Milan stars are shown the dark art of scrummaging

New Zealand's stars made a short pit-stop on the way home from their Grand Slam tour of Europe to meet AC Milan's soccer stars, indulging in a little cross-sport banter and experimentation with ball-kicking on Thursday.

Brazilian Milan midfielder Kaka and Andriy Shevchenko had a stab at kicking the oval ball under the tutelage of Dan Carter, while the visit culminated in a penalty shoot-out using the round ball.

Wing Joe Rokocoko took time out from the visit to explain that, in contrast to most of the European press, he thought European rugby had come on since he last played there, saying the tough test the team had in Munster was a clear indication that at club level at least, things were looking up.

"In the southern hemisphere we like attacking rugby, throwing the ball around, showing your skills which you should show on the rugby field. The northern hemisphere has been used to the drive, kick, drive," he told Reuters.

"When we come to the northern hemisphere they are not quite used to it. But Munster and star teams in the northern hemisphere are starting to attack more."

Italy's rugby federation is considering a plan to create one or two Italian super regions, which would be tasked with competing in the Magners League and Heineken Cup on a regular basis, a plan of which 'Rocketman' approves.

"That's awesome, I'm sure supporters in Italy would get behind the team and players in Italy would work hard to get in that team and it will make them better in the end," he added.

Rokocoko was at an Adidas event at soccer team AC Milan's training ground. All Black and Milan players kicked rugby and soccer balls against a wall to create a charity painting.

"I've got (Milan midfielder) Andrea Pirlo's shirt, I'm going to keep this and put it in my living room at home. It is my favourite team now AC Milan, I'll be getting behind them," he said.