Thursday 29 October 2015 16:59, UK
New Zelaand captain Richie McCaw has reiterated he will not make a decision on his future until he has returned home from the Rugby World Cup.
McCaw can cement his status of New Zealand's most decorated captain by retaining the Webb Ellis Cup when they face trans-Tasman rivals Australia at Twickenham.
The 34-year-old will win his 148th cap on Saturday and it is expected to be his last Test, but he stuck to his guns when pressed to confirm he will hang up his boots.
"I haven't announced anything really," said McCaw, when asked outright if the World Cup final is his last game of professional rugby.
"I've purposely not got into that because I didn't want to get all hung up on what could be.
I haven't allowed myself to think even one second past the final whistle. That allows in thoughts that are unhelpful for the game.
"I have to make a decision when I get home. I've been told there's a spot at the Crusaders if I really want it.
"I just want to play this weekend, and the tournament before that, the best that I can. You still play as though you've got years ahead.
"I've made no secret that I have to reflect after this, but I just have to get this week right."
Stalwarts Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Keven Mealamu have long since accepted the end of the World Cup as their All Blacks finish line.
McCaw explained his evasive tactics as little more than refusing to let his mind go soft as New Zealand hone in on making history by becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups.
"That's what we're here to do," said McCaw. "If at the end of six weeks you get that opportunity then that's what you're after.
"I haven't allowed myself to think even one second past the final whistle. That allows in thoughts that are unhelpful for the game.
"If we do our best we'll give ourselves an opportunity. If we get that performance right that will be something that would be pretty nice to do."
Though refusing to address his retirement directly, McCaw knows full well it will be a wrench to remove the All Blacks shirt for the final time this weekend, win or lose.
McCaw admitted wanting his New Zealand debut, against Ireland in 2001, to last forever.
Once Saturday's final is complete, the fierce competitor must then confront his Test arena mortality.
"You grow up wanting to be an All Black, that's the dream," said McCaw.
"I remember the first time I did it, I just didn't want that moment to end. Once you get past that it's about leaving some of yourself in that jersey.
"That's what being an All Black requires, you add to what's gone before you, you don't want to let it down.
"I've loved every time I've got to do that."
Seven of New Zealand's starting line-up featured in the 8-7 World Cup final victory over France four years ago.
McCaw believes the route to knockout victory lies in simplicity.
"I don't really care how the game is as long as we win," said McCaw. "You've got two teams that want to use the ball.
"As pressure comes on it gets tight. The things that are perhaps 50-50 go out the window.
"It's not actually doing anything magical, it's about doing your job when it counts."
