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All black people Captain Codie Taylor believes his side are up for the challenge against Scotland at Murrayfield this weekend as they continue to come to terms with the tragic loss of long-time head of security Logan Cadwallader.
The All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby released a heartbreaking statement on Monday night local time announcing the sudden death of Cadwallader in the team Edinburgh hotel.
“Logan has been a huge part of the All Blacks family for a long time. He was a consummate team man, loved and trusted by everyone and a true professional,” All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie said.
“He looked after all of us, players and staff, and was a good friend to many in this team. We are all devastated. Our thoughts are with his wife, Nannette, his children, Trey, Brooke and Mia, and his extended family and friends. As a team, we will honor Logan and the legacy he left on the All Blacks.”
Taylor’s side travel to Murrayfield to take on a motivated Scotland who are without a win in 33 games against the All Blacks.
The 114-Test prostitute made it clear that despite an emotional week for the entire team and management, the players have prepared extremely well.
“I think about it early he it is only Fr acknowledging what everyone’s it goes through individually. But we made a call earlier in the a week that Logan would I want us that a blow he and get stuck into what is an important a week for us,” Taylor said when the All Blacks ran captain.
“I to feel like we are done really good. Whome prepared well, ehsomeone’s really clear he what is necessary, and now it is only Fr it goes out there tomorrow.
“This a week was a a lot bigger rather rugby, and we are good aware of that. But we also I know that the the best way we I can show our respect is through rugby and the the game we love.
“So it is our focus tomorrow: that show our respect through putting in a good performance for our bro and for our country. Tomorrow we will acknowledge it through black ribbons.
“Wearing poppies too. I mean, it’s kind of fitting to represent those who have fallen, and then our brother Logan, a servant in the SAS.”
Taylor confirmed that the All Blacks will perform the Ka Mate, a traditional haka, in memory of Cadwallader before the match.
“Tomorrow we’re going to do Ka Mate to honor Armistice Day, as well as Logan. They talk about being fierce warriors, the SAS, and Ka Mate is how we’re going to show it.”
Taylor admitted it was a tough seven weeks South Africa tour earlier this year provided the All Blacks with countless lessons which they hope to take into this four-week block Nations Championship fixtures.
“I think about it what we are realized is that physicality is one of the the majority important things in playing test leg,” Taylor said.
“If you I can front physically and get done the cannon of the team, then you I know you are it goes that to have a good day. We found that out probably the difficult way in South Africa, an.d then we are in condition that impose yourself a a little bit against Australia.
“Scotland are a physically team. They love getting downhill. They are Got some big guys, so we are it goes that to have that front up on defense, and then when we get an opportunity, it is making for sure that we I can get done the gain line and to play the the game we I want until.”