Wainui was killed in a car crash on October 18 and his death has hit the All Blacks – many of whom knew the former Chiefs and Bay of Plenty back personally – very hard.
Members of Ian Foster’s side were given the option of missing the hammering of USA if they didn’t feel ready to play although the southern hemisphere giants still fielded a strong side.
Their next challenge is at Principality Stadium.
Wales hooker Owens believes the All Blacks will be determined to play in memory of Wainui in front of a sold-out Cardiff crowd.
New Zealand warmed up for facing Wales by beating USA 104-14.
Rhodri Jones puts the hard yard in during Wales training
“It was horrendous news that came with Sean’s passing,” said Owens.
“All the boys here with Wales are sending our thoughts and condolences to his family and everyone in New Zealand rugby who would have been close to him.
“He’d have had a lot of friends in the New Zealand camp and one thing it will do is pull them together. They’ll want to put in a performance in his memory.
“I saw him as a player and he was a quality player himself. They’ll want to play the game they play and I’m sure it will be a very poignant moment when they come over to Cardiff.
All the boys here with Wales are sending our thoughts and condolences to his family and everyone in New Zealand rugby who would have been close to him
“One thing New Zealand have always got is a quality of player and strength in depth.
“They took a bit of criticism last year and it’s taken a bit of time for their new coaching staff to come in and impose themselves, but they’ve been very impressive through the summer.
“I think they’ll have been disappointed to lose that one game to South Africa, but they’ve managed to rest some players and have some rotation as well. They’re right up there.
“I know they’re not No 1 in the world rankings and South Africa have that, but they’re a quality side and the strength in depth they have across the board is scary at times.”
This haka is for you Sean, fly high brother. 🕊️🖤
Moe mai okioki ai#USAvNZL #1874Cup pic.twitter.com/mgtoUEh37N
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 23, 2021
The experienced 34-year-old Owens continued: “New Zealand are a quality side, but so are we. When you’re playing a team like them, you have to believe you can get the win.
“It’s about being in the game for 80 minutes and not switching off. You have to be on the money because they enjoy turnover ball and they attack from anywhere.
“Injuries happen in rugby and we can’t feel sorry for ourselves. The way to look at it is in a positive way and it’s an opportunity for players to put their hands up.
“It’s disappointing to have boys with injuries and there is obviously quality missing, but we can’t control that. The only thing we can focus on as players is to be excited by the challenge.
“We’re looking forward to getting out there and we’re not turning up to this autumn just to make up the numbers. We’re looking for and need results.
“We need to get back on the horse after the Six Nations. We were disappointed to lose the last game to France, but it’s all about getting the performance right and winning rugby matches.”
After his team’s win over USA, New Zealand head coach Ian Foster said: “This game was vital for us in terms of we have got a number of players who haven’t played for three or four weeks and it was a great chance to have a really good hit out.
“And to do it in a special stadium and on a special occasion is pretty valuable for us.
“We go to Wales next and we have had a little bit of contact under our belt. We’re really delighted with some of the skills stuff we were able to put out on the park.
“It gives us a good launching pad for what is going to be a big month.”
