The All Blacks will ask the Wales Rugby Union for permission to observe a minute’s silence during the grand slam finale at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday (NZT) as a mark of respect for the victims of the Pike River mining tragedy.
The team will also wear armbands — possibly white — as a further indication of their empathy for the plight of the 29 victims, their families and the West Coast community.
It is expected the request will be granted given Wales also has a strong historical connection with coal mining.
The All Blacks held a brief prayer vigil during their regular team meeting last night, hours before learning the miners had perished.
“It’s just a terrible, terrible tragedy. You just can’t imagine what the families are going through at the moment. All our best wishes and thought and prayers are going to them,” All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen said.
“Hopefully we can do something positive for them on Saturday. It’s a lot more than a motivating factor, it’s just an absolute tragedy and leaves a hollow feeling in your gut.”
New Zealand Rugby Union president John Sturgeon, who is accompanying the team, spent 38 years as a miner in Greymouth and was battling to come to terms with the tragedy.
“He’s struggling to be fair, he knows a lot of the families and being a miner himself he’s at the sharp end of it,” Hansen said.
“We’re getting round him as best we can.”
the woodster
Guest
The white armbands are a great gesture hopefully they can do the country and the memory of the 29 proud come saturday. RIP
Derby County FC
Guest
To say that this request will be granted because the Welsh have an affinity with miners is like saying other countries wouldn't grant it because they don't. I couldn't imagine any country not granting this request. RIP brave miners and strength to all those left behind.
Ralph
Guest
The Pike Men They were husbands and brothers, Fathers and cousins and mates, Shoulder to shoulder they went each day, Down in the pit like their fathers before them, Laughing and smiling as they went, Until the Friday the earth exploded. Only a broken row of cars remains, And the tears of the wife's, And the cracked voices of the living, And their kids crying in the dark, And the memories.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
I'm sure the request will be granted the Welsh have an affinity for miners. This is a tragedy and should be shown the reverence that befits a sad, sad end to a dreadful accident. My sentiments are with the families of the victims.