Sporting stars including former All Blacks captain Buck Shelford are also paying tribute to the current world champions.
Te Kāea caught up with former All Black captain Buck Shelford and four-time ANBL champions, the NZ Breakers.
Shelford captained the All Blacks in the 1980s and was also part of the team that won the world championship in 1987. The All Blacks continued that legacy by playing some thrilling rugby to claim the 2015 World Cup but it was a couple of standout players that caught Shelford’s attention.
“Player of the tournament, I thought Jerome Kaino was outstanding. He really shines in the big games. I thought Smith in fullback, I thought he was outstanding. What he could do, not many fullbacks in the world can do what he could do," said Shelford.
Even the ANBL defending champions had time to pay tribute to the All Blacks before heading into training today.
NZ breakers player Cedric Jackson says, “The significant part was when the guy Dan, I don't know his last name but he kicked the ball right in the middle and it gave his team a little bit more cushion.”
The big question on everyone’s lips is whether captain Richie McCaw will stay for another four years.