Friends and family of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak capped off a special evening for the new Kiwis skipper following last night's historic win over the Kangaroos thanks to passionate haka from the stands.
Watene-Zelezniak's whānau delivered the emotional sign of respect from the stands shortly after the game in which he earned his first win as a captain.
The 23-year-old followed in his great-grandfather's footsteps last night when he earned the honour of leading the Kiwis.
His great grandfather Steve Watene was the first Māori to skipper the New Zealand Kiwis in the 1930s.
The 23-year-old’s great grandfather was the first Māori to skipper the Kiwis in the 1930s.
When asked at a press conference earlier this week about his heritage, the fullback said he was very proud.
"I think he (great grandfather) is smiling down at me at the moment, I think he had a part in this," said Watene-Zelezniak.
"So I am very privileged to carry his blood inside me and I guess represent him."
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