All Blacks take Webb Ellis Cup to grave of late Jerry Collins

New Zealand’s star World Cup winners have led an emotional tribute to former All Blacks flanker Jerry Collins, who would have turned 35 yesterday. Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Jerome Kaino and Liam Messam travelled the 630 kilometres from Auckland to Porirua to visit Collins’ grave with the Webb Ellis Cup.

The rugby world was left in shock when the 34-year-old and his wife Alana Madill were killed in a auto accident in France in June. Both were aged 34.

Their three-month-old daughter Ayla was critically injured, spending two weeks in a coma and a month in intensive care before she was released to live with Madill’s family in Canada.

Collins, who won 48 caps for the All Blacks, made a surprise appearance for Barnstaple’s second XV against Newton Abbot while on holiday in North Devon after his country’s exit from the 2007 World Cup.

Carter, man-of-the-match in the 34-17 win over Australia in the final at Twickenham said: “Good to share this one with the brother. Love you uce! Always got you”.

He posted the pic on his Instagram page and wrote, “Happy belated bday my iso”.