American Eagles winger Ryan Matyas has recalled how a chance meeting in a clubhouse in Wales lead to an unlikely friendship with the late All Blacks legend Jerry Collins.
It wasn't perfect, but the All Blacks ran up a score reflective of the dominance many expected of them against the USA Eagles in Washington DC.
The death of Dr Z adds extra motivation for six of the Eagles as they prepare to take on the Maori All Blacks at Soldier Field.
Ireland kicked off their tour in style thanks to Keith Earls' first-half double at Red Bull Arena on Saturday.