Richie McCaw reflected on his career after becoming the world's most-capped international player as New Zealand beat Australia 41-13 to retain the Bledisloe Cup.
The veteran flanker, who made his debut in 2001, racked up his 142nd cap on Saturday to surpass the previous record held by Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll.
"The first time I put on this jersey, I just didn't want to let it down," he said. "I wanted to add to the legacy of what was 100-odd years before.
"Still tonight there was the goal of pulling on the jersey to go and add something to it and leave some of yourself in it.
"I've just been so grateful to have the opportunity to do it all these years and I've loved every single minute of it."
McCaw was one of a host of All Blacks stars making their final international appearance on home soil, with Dan Carter, Tony Woodcock and Ma'a Nonu among the others to bid farewell.
"The jersey means a lot but the people that fill it up are the ones that you put that effort and energy in for," he added.
"I've been so lucky - and I think those guys would agree - to have each other side by side over many years to go through the tough times and the good times."
Coach Steve Hansen paid his own tribute to McCaw, commenting: "He's just an ordinary bloke from Kurow, but by God he can do extraordinary things.
"He's a champion. He's probably been our greatest All Black in modern times."