New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter has hailed his ultimate achievement following their World Cup final victory over neighbours Australia on Saturday.
Carter put in a 19-point man-of-the-match performance in his final match for the All Blacks as they became the first nation ever to successfully defend their world title and to record a total of three titles with a 34-17 win.
The 33-year-old World Player of the Year nominee missed out on playing in his country's final triumph four years ago, and he admitted his pride and relief to have been on the field for the latest success.
"It has been an amazing career and to finish like this is hard to believe," he told BBC Sport.
"This victory means a lot - it was a dark place four years ago and I have had to work extremely hard to be here today.
"This win is right up there with everything I've done in my career - it is the ultimate achievement. I am proud of the boys and what they have achieved. Becoming the first team to retain the trophy shows how special this side is."
Carter has finished his international career as the all-time leading points scorer in Test rugby with 1,598 after starring in the victory at Twickenham.
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