An emotional Jason Ryan has worn his heart on his sleeve discussing this morning's Rugby World Cup final and, in particular, the "immortals" who wore the black jersey for the final time.
The All Blacks were hoping to give the likes of Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick a fitting farewell but South Africa had other plans, claiming the dramatic final 12-11 to win the World Cup for a fourth time.
Speaking shortly after the contest, Ryan said he couldn't be prouder of the team's performance.
"The cards and the accuracy cost us in the end and it’s a tough one," he said.
"Right up until the end, I still thought we were going to win it. There were a couple of momentum shifts there and we were still a chance.
"We were still getting off the ground, we were still moving our feet and, um, the boys wanted it – you could see that and you can’t ask for much more than that."
A number of veteran All Blacks played their final game this morning, ending their national team careers. (Source: 1News)
Ryan, who is credited with bringing some bite back into the All Blacks' forward pack since joining team management last year, wasn't afraid to show how hurt he was by the result.
In particular, the thought of not giving some the team's longest standing members a fitting swansong hurt more.
"I just feel for the boys, seeing them in the sheds, taking off the jersey for the last time, it’s tough," Ryan said.
"They’re immortals of the All Blacks and they’re great New Zealanders. I love them. It’s tough for them [but] we move on, don’t we? That’s sport.
"But I love them."
The All Blacks were forced to play a majority of the match with 14 men after captain Sam Cane was red carded for making head contact with South Africa's Jesse Kriel midway through the first half.
Cane was initially sent off with a yellow card before it was upgraded by the TMO but in the second half, a similar instance where Siya Kolisi made direct head contact with Ardie Savea remained a yellow card and saw the Springboks through to the final whistle.
Ryan said he wasn't "bitter" about the calls but simply wanted the officiating to remain constant.
"You just want consistency in the game, don’t you?
"That’s all you want."
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