Sean Wainui

The Māori All Blacks performed their haka with an image of Sean Wainui on the big screen above them after he died last year in a car accident.

The USA performed a similar tribute for Wainui as well during last year's end of year tour when they played the All Blacks in what was the first Test for the New Zealand side after his death. Wainui represented the Chiefs, Bay of Plenty and the Māori All Blacks and had previously played for Taranaki and the Crusaders as well. Wainui, who represented the Māori All Blacks before his death in 2021, was acknowledged by both sides on Wednesday evening before the match kicked off.

Sean Wainui died in October 2021 after a car crash.

The conclusion of the performance is met with a resounding applause from around the stands. They take formation in a V-shape, and the haka leader takes control again. The Maoris are seen in a huddle before their haka.

Ireland got to reciprocate on a touching gesture made by the Māori All Blacks six years ago by paying tribute to late Kiwi rugby star Sean Wainui last ...

Before performing the haka, captain Ash Dixon had marched to the halfway mark and laid down a Māori All Blacks jersey with the Munster legend's initials, "AF" on the back, before retreating back to his side. He was just 25, capped 10 times for the Māori All Blacks, and it was the first time his teammates had played since his tragic loss. Wainui, a key member of the Māori All Blacks who wore the number 11 jersey during his career, was killed when his car hit a tree at McLaren Falls Park near Tauranga on 18 October last year.