It was both an emotional and specular start to the Bledisloe Cup as returning All Blacks star Caleb Clarke was left bawling his eyes out.
Ahead of kick-off, the New Zealand wing was unaware that his father – the outstanding ex-Test back Eroni – would be performing the anthem.
He produced a stunning rendition of ‘God Defend New Zealand’, leaving his son, who was starting on the left wing, in tears.
After it had finished, the two embraced before Eroni left the field smiling and the All Blacks star composed him prior to the haka.
The flyover
However, it was not the only surprise ahead of the contest as there was a South Africa-esque flyover at Eden Park, reminiscent of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final and more recently the 2024 Rugby Championship contest between the Springboks and All Blacks.
It all appeared to inspire the hosts and particularly their wing, who was making his first Test appearance of the year due to injury.
Clarke had not featured for the national team since November 2024 but he made a try-scoring return, taking advantage of a fast start from his team.
New Zealand were absolutely superb in the opening 25 minutes and the their first significant attack set the tone as the Wallabies defence was put under significant pressure.
It led to an early score for the left wing. Although much of the hard work was done by the players inside him, he still produced a fine finish to get them off to an excellent start.
Clarke was then followed over the line by Leroy Carter and Cam Roigard as they moved into a 20-3 advantage before they were pegged back by the visitors.
Billy Pollard and Harry Potter both crossed the whitewash to keep them within three points at the interval.
How special is this 🥹
An emotional moment for Caleb Clarke as the national anthem is sung by his father Eroni Clarke.#NZLvAUS #TheRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/BKF6iEbHav
— TheRugbyChampionship (@SanzarTRC) September 27, 2025
Hugely emotional
But the story of the opening period was very much about the returning wing and the emotional moment before kick-off.
“What a start for Caleb Clarke,” EK Rugby Analysis wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“Hugely emotional anthem sung by his father Eroni, and has now scored the opening try of the game.”
Journalist Jamie Wall also stated: “Eroni Clarke nailing the anthem and Caleb Clarke scoring about 5 mins later,” while Chalyn Rugby added: “This is so special!! Caleb Clarke in tears as his dad Eroni Clarke sings the national anthem. Truly special!!”
Another person wrote: “Caleb Clarke crying while his father sings the national anthem at his home ground – right in the feels.”
READ MORE: ‘Officials need the uppercut’ – All Blacks respond to Haka saga after Springboks apology