All Blacks captain Codie Taylor believes his side is ready for the challenge against Scotland at Murrayfield this weekend, as they continue to come to terms with the tragic loss of long-time head of security Logan Cadwallader.

The All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby released a heartbreaking statement on Monday evening, local time, announcing the sudden death of Cadwallader at the team’s Edinburgh hotel.

“Logan has been a big part of the All Blacks family for a long time. He was the ultimate team man, loved and trusted by all and a true professional,” All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie said.

“He looked after all of us, players and staff, and he was a good mate to many in this team. We are all devastated. Our thoughts are with his wife, Nannette, his children, Trey, Brooke and Mia, and his wider family and friends. As a team, we will honour Logan and the legacy he has left on the All Blacks.”

Taylor’s side head to Murrayfield to take on a motivated Scotland side who are without a victory in 33 games against the All Blacks.

The 114-Test hooker made it clear that despite an emotional week for the entire squad and management, the players have prepared exceptionally well.

“I think early on it’s just about acknowledging what everyone’s going through individually. But we made a call earlier in the week that Logan would want us to kick on and get stuck into what’s an important week for us,” Taylor said at the All Blacks’ captain’s run.

“I feel like we’ve done really well. We’ve prepared well, everyone’s really clear on what’s required, and now it’s just about going out there tomorrow.

“This week’s been a lot bigger than rugby, and we’re well aware of that. But we also know that the best way we can show our respect is through rugby and the game we love.

“So that’s our focus tomorrow: to show our respect through putting in a good performance for our brother and for our country. We’re going to acknowledge it tomorrow through the black armbands. Wearing the poppy as well. I mean, it’s sort of fitting in a way to represent those who have fallen, and then also our brother Logan, a servant in the SAS.”

Taylor confirmed that the All Blacks will perform Ka Mate before the match, the traditional haka, in memory of Cadwallader.

“We’re going to do Ka Mate tomorrow to pay our homage to Armistice Day as well as Logan. They talk about being fierce warriors, SAS, and Ka Mate is the way we’re going to show that.”

Taylor admitted that the gruelling seven-week South Africa tour earlier this year has provided the All Blacks countless lessons they hope to use on this four-week block of Nations Championship fixtures.

“I think what we’ve realised is that physicality is one of the most important things in playing test footy,” Taylor said.

“If you can front physically and get over the top of the team, then you know you’re going to have a good day. We found that out probably the hard way in South Africa, and then we’re able to impose ourselves a little bit against Australia.

“Scotland are a physical team. They love getting downhill. They’ve got some big boys, so we’re going to have to front up on defence, and then when we get an opportunity, it’s making sure that we can get over the gain line and play the game we want to.”