ST KILDA players and coaches had access to an inner sanctum meeting with New Zealand Super Rugby team the Hurricanes on the first full day of the club’s Wellington Community Camp.

The Saints kicked off their three-day camp with access to the Hurricanes pre-training meeting before observing one of New Zealand’s most recognisable sporting teams go through their paces.

The camp comes three months ahead of the first AFL premiership game played for points outside Australia when the Saints host the Sydney Swans at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium on Anzac Day, April 25.

At the meet and greet, St Kilda coach Scott Watters presented Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett with a signed Saints guernsey and a ticket to historic Anzac Day clash.

Defender James Gwilt said the close access given to the Saints was insightful and could have benefits for the club’s 2013 season.

“It’s been a pretty positive start. They were reviewing stuff on their training from the previous week. They were doing a bit of tackling technique and a bit of scrum stuff as well so it was pretty eye-opening,” Gwilt said.

“The physicality and the tackling which was good for us to learn a few techniques their coach was going through on the presentation.”

Gwilt said he had been impressed with what he had seen of New Zealand in his first day in the country.

“I really enjoy it. It’s a beautiful atmosphere at the moment with the mountains in the background and the lush, green grass with the kids running around. It’s a pretty good experience,” he said.

“The rugby boys are massive. They are absolutely huge. As I said before with the tackling stuff, I think most of the boys got a few tips.”

For more information about the Saints in New Zealand, visit http://www.saints.com.au/NZ

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