Former All Black Waka Nathan, a taonga of the Maori-rugby playing pantheon, has died aged 81

He played 37 matches for the national side, including 14 tests, between 1962 and 1967 and was central to Auckland's success during its 1959 to 1963 Ranfurly Shield era.

Sports journalist doyen Phil Gifford remembers when he first saw Nathan play - for Otahuhu at Eden Park number two in 1965.



Sir Wayne Shelford was coached by Nathan, alongside Mac Herewini, Pat Walsh and Albie Pryor in the 1970s.



Nathan was also chosen to run onto the field with the ball at the inaugural World Cup in 1987 at Eden Park to start the tournament.

He suffered from dementia in later years.