Collins and his partner Alana Madill were killed in a car crash in France on Friday and their three-month-old baby Ayla was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Collins played 48 Tests for the All Blacks, including three as captain, and played in the 2006 Super Rugby final for the Wellington Hurricanes.

He signed with French second division club Narbonne in January as medical cover for former Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom.

Auelua grew up watching Collins play rugby with his cousin in Wellington and the pair played together at Toulon in France.

He was devastated to hear of his close friend's passing. "He was a real close friend of mine, he looked after me when we were over in Toulon," Auelua said.

"He was someone that I grew up watching during high school, when you had that high-school superstar and you're the young primary [school] kid. Everyone looked up to him, it's very unfortunate. He's an All Black great and probably one of the best back-rowers to play the game, and one of the hardest as well.

"He was always good to me and good to my family. He was one of those guys that would do anything for you. I'm sure a lot of people in New Zealand will be grieving right now ... he was that guy that you always knew was going to make it big."

Auelua is off contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to English club Northampton.

His year has been ruined by injury, with hamstring and knee problems limiting his time on the field.

Auelua then tore his medial ligament on the eve of leaving for the Brumbies' tour of South Africa four weeks ago, sidelining him for three months.

He said he needed a change after managing just 33 Super Rugby games in his four seasons in Canberra. "This is my last year here, which is unfortunate, but I spoke to the boys and the boys understand," Auelua said.

"I think that's the best thing for me. This has been the story of my life the last couple of years in terms of injuries, just being in and out of rehab. When you're in that environment, for me personally it's been a tough couple of years and I haven't been able to enjoy it."

Fellow Brumbies forward Sam Carter has also torn his medial and had surgery during the week. He also faces a 12-week stint on the sidelines.

"I feel what he's going through and I'm sure he understands what I'm going through as well," Auelua said. "He's fortunate to be running out with the boys throughout the year.

"He's been playing well and it's just one of those accidents where you don't expect it to happen, but it's part of rugby. Carts is someone who is really strong-minded and he'll probably be out there quicker if we go all the way with finals."



SUPER RUGBY ROUND 18

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Canterbury Crusaders at Canberra Stadium, 3.30pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.