All Blacks loose forward Vaea Fifita will play through personal tragedy in his quest to make the squad for next month's Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Coach Steve Hansen confirmed Fifita has travelled with the team to Perth despite the recent death of his brother Alfred 'AJ' Mapa in a river accident.
Hansen says its really a sad news and they pass on their condolences to his family but Fifita is travelling.
The grieving All Black who played against the Springboks and the Pumas last month will likely feature against the Wallabies after Hansen confirmed fellow loose forward Luke Jacobson and first‑five Josh Ioane were both out with concussion and won't be traveling with the team.
He says that these players needs to take time out and when they are ready to play and train they will bring them back to the team.
The All Blacks will take on the Wallabies at 9.45pm Saturday.
NZ herald
