Saying Goodbye to Great

Sonny Bill Williams Career: 2010-2019 Caps: 58

Signed off with two World Cups and the respect and admiration of a much wider section of the New Zealand public than when he first played.

In truth, Williams never quite fulfilled his rugby potential. He had great games and great moments, but injury and code hopping meant he never delivered the consistent brilliance of Ma'a Nonu.

Williams will be remembered, though, as a supremely good defender and the man who inspired a generation of new players to back their offloading skills and pass the ball out of trouble.

He said before his final All Blacks appearance: “It's funny – I remember going on in one of the big games and on the microphone was 'whatever you do, don't offload', whereas now they even have slang words for it, or KBA – keep the ball alive.

“When I see Sevu [Reece] or Richie [Mo'unga] just expressing themselves … not only is it awesome to see but it's a privilege being able to play alongside these guys. They're backing themselves and playing like they probably did back in the backyard [as kids].”

Ben Smith Career: 2009-2019 Caps: 84

Came into the test arena in 2009 as a relatively unknown outside back. But he never quite believed he deserved to be there and after winning one cap that year, didn't make it back to the national side until 2012.

He was a bench regular that year, becoming a starter on the right wing in

2013 when Cory Jane was injured. And it was in 2013 that Smith emerged as one of the great backs of the last decade.

He showed his ability to make things happen. He could beat defenders with his footwork. He had great awareness and anticipation. He was brilliant under the high ball and knew where to be and what to do.

Became a must pick after that – playing at fullback and centre and establishing himself as one of the most versatile footballers the All Blacks have seen.

Humble and quiet, Smith signed off with this to say about how he would like to be remembered.

“Definitely as a rugby player but probably as a person who had good morals, was a good team man, someone that was always doing the right thing and hopefully someone who could be trusted.

“I'd hope that people see me as humble. I remember playing my first test and it was a bit of a long journey before I played my second. I played 80-odd tests... to be part of a club and the legacy it has… to wear the jersey and be part of that is something I'll always be proud of.”

Ryan Crotty Career: 2013-2019 Caps: 48

Won his first cap when he stepped in late for Conrad Smith in Sydney after the veteran centre rushed home for the birth of his child. Played well and that was the story of his career.

Crotty was a tidy footballer who rarely made mistakes. He never took anything for granted and played with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity he had.

Missed out on the 2015 World Cup but that made him more committed to make the 2019 event and he did so after establishing himself as a world class midfielder in 2016.

Matt Todd Career: 2013-2019 Caps: 25

Matt Todd was actually first called up by the All Blacks at the 2011 World Cup. He trained with the squad but was never named as part of it.

An honest and dedicated openside, Todd was the sort of selfless player the All Blacks loved. He never complained about missing out, never took anything for granted and he spent much of his career on the edge of the squad, never sure if he would be in or out week-to-week.

But he forced his way into the picture in 2018 with some great performances and stayed there through 2019 – becoming a bench regular at the World Cup.

The All Blacks loved his attitude and work rate.