A few drinks, stories and ‘some beautiful moments’

Grieving All Blacks too upset to play following the sudden death of Sean Wainui can withdraw from the team to play the United States in Washington DC.

Like many members of the rugby community in New Zealand, the touring All Blacks were shocked to learn Ma¯ori All Black, Chiefs and Crusaders player Wainui had died in a car accident near Tauranga on Monday morning.

The All Blacks team to play on Sunday won’t be revealed to the public until tomorrow, but assistant coach John Plumtree said if a player wanted to make himself unavailable his wish would be immediately granted.

While no players had indicated they don’t want to be involved in the test at FedEx Field, Plumtree said the All Blacks management wouldn’t stand in anyone’s way if it was too difficult to focus on rugby.

‘‘If there was someone that couldn’t play because mentally it was just too tough, then absolutely [they can withdraw],’’ Plumtree said.

‘‘But I don’t think you will find that. I think you will find that Sean would have wanted all those boys to be available for this test match, and I would be surprised if one of them didn’t want to play.’’

All Blacks Anton Lienert-Brown and Brad Weber, who played alongside Wainui in the Chiefs backline, were among those to post sincere messages on social media and former Crusaders team-made Codie Taylor also shed tears when talking to media this week.

Plumtree said the Chiefs players had organised drinks in the All Blacks’ teamroom and invited all members of the squad to join them and pay their respects.

‘‘They told some personal stories about what a fantastic person Sean was to them,’’ Plumtree said. ‘‘There were some really beautiful moments.’’

All Blacks manager Gilbert Enoka, who has a long history of working with the team as its mental skills coach, has taken a lead role in helping anyone who is struggling to cope with the passing of Wainui.

‘‘We have just really encouraged everyone to be open,’’ Plumtree said.