Tri-nations teams pay tribute to tragic losses

NEW Zealand and Australia will wear black armbands during their Tri-Nations clash in Christchurch today to honour former internationals who died this week.

The Wallabies will wear the armbands to commemorate the death of former winger Jeff McLean, who died yesterday aged 63 after a protracted fight against cancer. McLean played 13 tests for the Wallabies from 1971 to 1974 before a badly broken leg forced him into retirement. His last match was alongside his brother Paul, who was making his debut, in the test against New Zealand in Sydney in 1974.

The All Blacks will wear the armbands to commemorate the deaths of double All Black Eric Tindill and Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell - the first New Zealand soldier killed in Afghanistan. Tindill, who not only played Test rugby and cricket for New Zealand but also was an international rugby referee and international cricket umpire, died aged 99 last Sunday, while O'Donnell was killed in action on Wednesday.