All Blacks wing Caleb Clarke was overcome with emotion at Eden Park on Saturday night after his father, former test star Eroni Clarke, delivered a surprise performance of the national anthem ahead of the Bledisloe Cup test against Australia.
Eroni Clarke, who played 24 tests for New Zealand between 1992 and 1998, led the crowd in both the English and te reo Māori versions of God Defend New Zealand.
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The 56-year-old performed on the same ground where he made more than 200 appearances for Auckland and the Blues.
Unbeknownst to Caleb, his father had been invited to sing the anthem — a moment that caught the 25-year-old completely off guard.
As Eroni completed his rendition, cameras captured Caleb visibly emotional, wiping away tears as he stood alongside his teammates.
Caleb Clarke tears up as former All Black dad belts out anthem - Watch on TVNZ+
Sky Sport commentator Tony Johnson said during the broadcast that Caleb had not been told in advance that his father would be singing the anthem.
The emotional start to the evening was matched by a strong on-field performance, with Caleb opening the scoring just 4 minutes into the first half.
Australia, who have not held the Bledisloe Cup since 2002, must win both tests outright — or secure a win and a draw — to reclaim the trophy.
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