Rugby World Cup: the All Blacks gather in front of the graves of their soldiers who died during the First World War

While it is in full preparation for its opening match against the Blues (September 8 at the Stade de France), the New Zealand selection was in the Somme this Thursday to pay tribute to their elders who died during the First World War. World on French soil. All the players and staff therefore went to the Capertillar Valley cemetery, near Longueval. The New Zealand memorial is located there, erected in tribute to the 1,205 Kiwi soldiers who died during the battles of the Somme in 1916.

In particular, they placed a jersey on the foot of a former All Black player, Robert Stanley Black, engaged in the New Zealand division who fought during the Great War. Coach Ian Foster and scrum-half Aaron Smith also laid a wreath bearing the inscription: “on behalf of the New Zealand All Blacks”.

This Friday morning, the All Blacks took up residence in their base camp in Lyon. Where the traditional welcome ceremony will take place in the afternoon. New Zealand will face the XV of France for the opening of the World Cup, on September 8 at the Stade de France.

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