The All Blacks have been dealing with the heartbreaking loss of Logan Cadwallader this week

All Blacks star Beauden Barrett says dealing with the death of the team's head of security has been the "most challenging week" of his career.

Logan Cadwallader passed away suddenly at the team's hotel in Edinburgh last weekend, with the team confirming the tragic news on Tuesday.

The news understandably rocked the New Zealand camp, who honoured their highly-respected staff member with an emotional anthem and haka ahead of the their game with Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Cadwallader's son lined up alongside the players before the match, with a minute's applause ringing out around the stadium.

Barrett played a key role in the Kiwis' win over the Scots and was interviewed post-match by New Zealand's media team after what has clearly been an emotional week for all connected with the squad.

Taking time to compose himself, he said: "Sorry... this week was bigger than rugby.

"In my entire career, the most challenging week. Caddy meant so much to us. It took days to be able to focus on footy.

"Didn't even feel right to train. Felt guilty just enjoying the simple things.

"We were taught to be great surfers, surf the highs and lows. One thing we learnt about Caddy is when you go to battle there is only one mission and no matter what happens keep going until that mission is complete.

"Sure Caddy will be proud of us. We just went out there to do our best to honour him. Super proud of the boys.

"Mate, this has hit me like a tonne of bricks but we'll get around each other tonight and celebrate Caddy.

"This Test match, while it is an honour to play for your country, there was something else that was bigger than the game this week.

"I'm sure we'll look back on this unforgettable week proudly as a team for what we went through and how we come together and make Caddy proud."

Pre-match, Kiwi legend Sean Fitzpatrick said the squad had endured a difficult week in terms of processing the valued team member's death.

"His son has come up here, along with his brother, along with Ali Williams, to bring him back to New Zealand tomorrow," Fitzpatrick said on ITV.

"I just think it's, for the All Blacks, he's a very special part of them.

"I think his son posted something saying that 'one of the greatest All Blacks ever - never to wear an All Blacks jersey. I totally agree with that."

His son Trey actually posted the words: "Best All Black to not wear a jersey love ya dad."

Head coach Dave Rennie said before the game that they had managed to spend some time with their friend this week at the funeral home.

"It's been really tough. He was such a good man and a massive part of our group," he said.

"It's been tough to get over. We went a bit slower at the start of the week. He's been constantly in our thoughts.

"We've had the opportunity to spend time with him at the funeral home and that's been really special for the players and management.

"We are keen to put in a performance today that honours that."