The All Blacks have confirmed an emotional haka decision ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship clash with Scotland following the sudden death of a much-loved team member.
New Zealand will perform Ka Mate at Murrayfield in memory of head of security Logan Cadwallader.
The former soldier died following a medical event at the team's hotel in Edinburgh earlier this week.
Players will also wear black armbands. Their white jerseys will feature poppies to mark Armistice Day.
Cadwallader had worked with the All Blacks for 10 years and was a hugely respected figure within the squad.
All Blacks captain confirms emotional haka decision
Captain Codie Taylor explained why the team had chosen Ka Mate rather than Kapa O Pango.
Speaking to RugbyPass, Taylor said:
"We're going to do Ka Mate tomorrow to pay our homage to Armistice Day as well as Logan."
The 114-cap hooker admitted it had been an incredibly difficult week.
"This week's been a lot bigger than rugby," he said.
Taylor added that the players wanted to honour their colleague through their performance against Scotland.
Cadwallader had previously served in the New Zealand Army and Special Air Service.
What are the different All Blacks haka?
The All Blacks regularly perform two different haka before international matches.
Both are powerful expressions of Māori culture, but they have different histories and meanings.
1. Ka Mate – The traditional haka
- Created around 1820 by Māori chief Te Rauparaha.
- Celebrates life, survival and overcoming death.
- Has been associated with New Zealand rugby for more than a century.
- Will be performed against Scotland in tribute to Cadwallader.
2. Kapa O Pango – The All Blacks' own haka
- First performed against South Africa in 2005.
- Created by Māori cultural expert Derek Lardelli.
- Written specifically for the All Blacks.
- Its name means "team in black".
- Celebrates New Zealand, the silver fern and the identity of the team.
The All Blacks can choose which haka they perform before a match.
New Zealand Rugby explains the history of both on its official haka website.
Other New Zealand teams have their own haka, including Ko Ūhia Mai for the Black Ferns and Te Tīmatanga for the Māori All Blacks.
Dave Rennie pays tribute to Logan Cadwallader
Head coach Dave Rennie also spoke about the devastating loss.
In an official New Zealand Rugby statement, Rennie said:
"Logan has been a big part of the All Blacks family for a long time."
He described Cadwallader as a trusted colleague who had looked after both players and staff.
The former soldier had served in Bosnia, East Timor, Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands.
Emotional occasion awaits at Murrayfield
New Zealand face Scotland with an extraordinary unbeaten record.
The All Blacks have never lost to the Scots in 33 previous Test meetings, winning 31 and drawing twice.
However, Saturday's match will mean far more than maintaining that record.
Before kick-off, the players will stand together and perform Ka Mate in memory of a man they considered one of their own.
Follow the latest All Blacks news, team updates and reaction on RUCK.
