The son of Logan Cadwallader, the All Blacks head of security who died last week, lined up with the squad at Murrayfield to honour his father. Cadwallader passed away suddenly at the team's hotel in Edinburgh, with the team confirming the news on Tuesday.
Emotional tribute before Scotland clash
Ahead of their Nations Championship match against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, the All Blacks performed a haka with a tribute to Cadwallader, who leaves behind his wife Nannette and three children. One of his sons joined the team as the anthems were sung, with a minute's applause held for his father.
Pre-match, former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick said the squad had endured a difficult week processing the death of the valued team member.
Son's message and coach's reflection
"His son has come up here, along with his brother, along with Ali Williams, to bring him back to New Zealand tomorrow," Fitzpatrick said on ITV. "I just think it's, for the All Blacks, he's a very special part of them."
He added: "I think his son posted something saying that 'one of the greatest All Blacks ever - never to wear an All Blacks jersey. I totally agree with that." His son Trey posted the words: "Best All Black to not wear a jersey love ya dad."
Head coach Dave Rennie said before the game that the team had managed to spend time with their friend at the funeral home this week. "It's been really tough. He was such a good man and a massive part of our group," he said. "It's been tough to get over. We went a bit slower at the start of the week. He's been constantly in our thoughts. We've had the opportunity to spend time with him at the funeral home and that's been really special for the players and management."
Performance to honour his memory
Rennie added: "We are keen to put in a performance today that honours that."
