Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata was sideline during the All Blacks training session ahead of Sunday's Rugby World Cup semifinal against South Africa at Twickenham.
Apiata watched on as the All Blacks prepared for the knockout clash with the Springboks, just their fourth clash at a Rugby World Cup.
READ MORE: Don't believe the mind games, says Hansen
The former SAS soldier spent time in the All Blacks camp earlier this year, before the Eden Park win over the Wallabies.
He has the same agent as All Blacks Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
Apiata is a former corporal in the SAS and received the VC in 2007 for bravery under fire in Afghanistan after carrying a gravely wounded comrade across a battlefield to safety. He is also the most trusted New Zealander according to the Reader's Digest Trust Survey.
All Blacks team to play South Africa at Twickenham on Sunday:
15. Ben Smith
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
13. Conrad Smith
12. Ma'a Nonu
11. Julian Savea
10. Daniel Carter
9. Aaron Smith
8. Kieran Read
7. Richie McCaw (c)
6. Jerome Kaino
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Brodie Retallick
3. Owen Franks
2. Dane Coles
1. Joe Moody
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams.
The Rugby World Cup final referee revealed he had to undergo surgery during the tournament