All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has revealed how much the All Blacks tight win over Australia meant to Sir Colin Meads' family at today's funeral.

Sir Colin was farewelled in front of thousands at Te Kuiti today.

Front and centre on the stage was the number five jersey worn by Sam Whitelock during the weekend's Bledisloe Cup test match.

Foster said Meads' family messaged to say Sir Colin watched the test match in Sydney from his bed the night before passing away.

He said, "their son-in-law Paul told me that Verna was very relieved we won on Saturday night because she wanted that jersey from a winning team."

Foster said the current All Blacks all know the role Sir Colin had in shaping their team family and it is something they continue to strive for.

They are grateful knowing that they walk on the shoulders of the player's before them.