New Zealand's assistant coach Wayne Smith and captain Richie McCaw both spoke proudly of Sir Peter's impact ahead of the Bledisloe Cup test, where they chase seven consecutive wins against the Wallabies.

 

Sir Peter is flying in from his home in Texas to help provide inspiration for the All Blacks.

 

McCaw said:  "[Snell] comes down here on Friday so I guess when we go to the ground before the game it might be mentioned.

 

"There are some special things from a New Zealand point of view and you acknowledge them."

 

Smith said team management had already talked up Sir Peter's achievements to their squad.

 

Sir Peter became the first runner for 44 years to win the 800m and 1500m at the same Olympics when he triumphed in Tokyo.

 

He had also won the 800m in Rome four years earlier and his achievements led to him being voted New Zealand's greatest athlete of the 20th century.

 

The black singlet was seen as an iconic symbol of New Zealand sport, alongside the All Blacks jersey, Smith said.

 

He said: "What he did [Snell] was incredible, and the mana he showed.

 

"It'd be great for our young guys to honour that with a good performance."

 

The match, which is expected to be a 48,000 sell-out, is to promote rugby union ahead of Japan staging the 2019 World Cup.

 

 

Related stories

September 2009: Sir Peter Snell voted third greatest living New Zealander

August 2009: Snell receives knighthood and unveils statue
August 2009: Petition launched for Snell to present medal at London 2012
July 2009: Snell honoured with knighthood
July 2009: New Zealand honours its Olympic heroes