All Blacks legend Richie McCaw reportedly gave up a special honour ahead of New Zealand's emotional victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.
RUCK has been told the former captain was originally expected to carry the New Zealand flag before Saturday's Nations Championship clash.
However, RUCK understands McCaw willingly stepped aside as plans were made to honour the late Logan Cadwallader, the All Blacks' head of security.
Cadwallader's son Trey and brother Dwayne instead took part in the pre-match flag ceremony.
While the exact circumstances behind the change have not been publicly confirmed, RUCK has been informed that McCaw was happy for the family to take centre stage.
It was a small gesture from one of rugby's biggest names, but one that carried plenty of meaning on an emotional afternoon.
And there could yet be another special moment involving the double World Cup winner before the tour is over.
All Blacks pay emotional tribute
Cadwallader died following a medical event at the team's hotel in Edinburgh, leaving the All Blacks devastated.
The former soldier had spent a decade working with New Zealand's national side and was regarded as a much-loved member of the squad.
The players wore black armbands against Scotland, while the 13 squad members outside the matchday 23 joined the haka from the touchline.
It was an unusual sight at Murrayfield, but one that showed just how much Cadwallader meant to the team.
Captain Codie Taylor later revealed he had spoken to McCaw about the decision to involve the wider squad.
"I wasn't actually aware at the time, but I talked to Richie," Taylor explained.
The All Blacks went on to secure a 43-21 victory, scoring 19 unanswered points after the break.
Taylor made clear the result meant more than another win.
"We wanted to win for him," he said.
"This week's been a lot bigger than rugby."
Could Richie McCaw carry the flag against Wales?
McCaw may yet get another opportunity to take part in a pre-match ceremony during the All Blacks' northern tour.
The former captain is now in Wales ahead of Saturday's clash at the Principality Stadium.
There has been no official confirmation that he will carry the flag in Cardiff, but it would be a fitting setting for the 148-cap legend.
After all, this is a stadium McCaw has previously described as one of his favourite places to play rugby.
Speaking in 2009, he praised the atmosphere created by the closed roof at what was then known as the Millennium Stadium.
"It can be extremely noisy," McCaw said.
His affection for Cardiff is particularly interesting given what happened there in 2007.
McCaw captained New Zealand during their shock 20-18 World Cup quarter-final defeat against France, one of the darkest days of his international career.
Yet two years later, he still described the Welsh venue as "one of my favourite places to play rugby".
Whether McCaw gets the chance to carry the flag this weekend remains to be seen.
But after his gesture at Murrayfield, it would be quite a moment.
Read also
Richie McCaw's five toughest opponents
During his remarkable career, McCaw faced some of the greatest players ever to lace up a pair of rugby boots.
The former All Blacks captain won 148 Test caps and lifted the Rugby World Cup twice, in 2011 and 2015.
But even McCaw had opponents who made life particularly difficult.
Here are five players he singled out for praise during his career.
5. Lewis Moody (England)
The former England captain earned McCaw's respect with his relentless work rate and willingness to throw himself into tackles.
Nicknamed 'Mad Dog', Moody was never one to take a backward step.
4. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
The French legend was a constant nuisance at the breakdown.
Dusautoir famously inspired France's 2007 World Cup quarter-final victory over New Zealand before producing another enormous performance in the 2011 final.
3. David Pocock (Australia)
One of the finest breakdown specialists of his generation.
Pocock's battles with McCaw became essential viewing whenever the Wallabies faced the All Blacks.
2. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Few players brought quite the same physical presence as Burger.
The Springboks great was a fierce competitor who made sure McCaw earned every inch.
1. George Smith (Australia)
McCaw's admiration for Smith stretched all the way back to their under-19 days.
The Australian openside was one of his most respected rivals and a formidable opponent at the breakdown.
