The victorious New Zealand team returned home yesterday from the World Cup in England, and for five of the victorious squad, they made a pilgrimage this morning to the graveside of a former team mate.
Jerry Collins was part of the 2003 and 2007 World Cup squads. He captained the team on two occasions in the 2007 World Cup and was seen as one of the best back rowers in the World at his peak.
He spent the last few years of his career playing in Europe and Japan. Tragically he was killed last June when the car he was travelling in collided with a bus in France. His partner was also killed, but their baby daughter survived.
Collins would have turned 35 yesterday, and former team mates brought a gift to the graveside of the flanker. Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Jerome Kaino and Liam Messam travelled the 630 kilometres from Auckland to Porirua to visit Collins' grave with the Webb Ellis Cup.
The gesture shows the influence Collins had on the squad and how highly valued he was as a friend.
Happy belated bday to our fallen uso.We love you JCterminator ðŸ™ðŸ¿@SonnyBWilliams @LiamMessam @DanCarter @jeromekaino pic.twitter.com/GDS3LkQrGH
— Ma'a Nonu (@maavelous) November 5, 2015
