Hobbs' son: Dad would have been proud

Former All Blacks captain Jock Hobbs (left) with his son Michael Hobbs, who will attend the Rugby World Cup final. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand rugby legend Jock Hobbs will be toasted in the final hours leading up to tomorrow morning's Rugby World Cup showdown - his legacy and close connection to the men in black fondly remembered by those who knew him best.

Hobbs played a clinical role in New Zealand's bid, preparation and execution of the 2011 tournament.

He died in 2012 after a six-year battle with leukaemia. He was 52.

His son Michael, who is in London attending the Rugby World Cup, said there is no question his father would have loved watching the All Blacks defend their title.

"Not because of his role in the 2011 tournament, but because dad was just a very proud New Zealander and very passionate about the All Blacks and New Zealand rugby," he said.

"I know he would be extremely proud of the way that the New Zealand Rugby Union and All Blacks - players and management - have continued to strive to achieve at the highest level."

Jock captained the All Blacks and spent a number of years as the NZR chairman.

His close relationship with Richie McCaw saw him present the All Blacks captain with his 100th cap in an emotional ceremony at Eden Park in 2011.

Following in his father's footsteps, Michael played Super Rugby for both the Blues and Highlanders and has spent the past two seasons playing for Panasonic in Japan. He has just signed with NTT Docomo, another professional Japanese club.

The 28-year-old flew to the UK in mid-October after having shoulder surgery and has watched the quarter-final, semifinal and will be at Twickenham tomorrow morning (NZ time) for the much-anticipated final against the Wallabies.

He is in London with his mother Nicky and two of his sisters, Emily and Penelope, who both live in the United Kingdom.

Michael said they are all going for a family lunch before the game and "will make a toast to dad and to my little sister, Isabelle, who is back in New Zealand and can't be with us".

"One of dad's favourite sayings was 'to wake up every day and be the best that you can be' and I think he'll be resting easy knowing the All Blacks have done that not only in this World Cup, but also over the past four years since the 2011 tournament," he said.