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Zar Lawrence, playing in an armband to honour his brother Wirenu - Source: Reuters -
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New Zealand rugby representative Zar Lawrence has dedicated his performances at the Hong Kong Sevens to his younger brother, who died in a road crash in Auckland early on Saturday.
Police said Wiremu Lawrence, 15, was killed when the car he was driving hit a tree on Te Irirangi Dr, Manukau City, at 1.30am. A female passenger was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Zar Lawrence starred with a two-try haul in a 17-5 win over Australia on Saturday night to help New Zealand into the quarterfinals.
He then spoke of how he had received a 4am telephone call telling him his brother had died.
"It's very hard. It's all emotional at the moment," he said.
"But my thoughts are back with my family and theirs are with me. I'm doing this for my family."
Lawrence, 27, said his family had told him to play on as a tribute to his brother.
"My thoughts are back there but my family told me to stay here and do it for him," he said.
"That's what I'm doing. I'm trying to play my best for my little brother."
Lawrence's uncle, Richard Lawrence, said Wiremu had been living in Auckland for three years, most recently for work experience.
His body would be returned to Northland, where a tangi would be held at Whatuwhiwhi, near Doubtless Bay.
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