Tana Umaga remains undecided about his international future and will take time out to mull over his decision.
In the build-up to New Zealand’s final Test of their Grand Slam tour against Scotland on Saturday, speculation was rife that the 74-Test veteran would call it quits after the match.
Instead Umaga kept everyone guessing following the All Blacks’ 29-10 win at Murrayfield which saw them complete the Grand Slam for the first time since 1978.
"When I am back home I will make that decision and I’ll let you know," he said after the match.
"I’m just going to enjoy my two weeks off and reflect on what we have achieved because I think we deserve to be able to."
It has certainly been a stellar year for the All Blacks who have lost just once in their last 12 matches.
They started the year with a 91-0 thrashing of Fiji before whitewashing the British & Irish Lions 3-0.
The only blip was a loss to South Africa but it did not stop Graham Henry’s men from winning the Tri-Nations and they retained the Bledisloe Cup with two wins over Australia.
Now victories over Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland on successive weekends have rounded off a remarkable year and Henry has been quick to praise the contribution made by his 32-year-old skipper.
"He has been a very special leader for this team and to lead them to what they have achieved this year is quite remarkable," said Henry.
"Tana as the leader of the leaders wanted to set some history and create a legacy and they have achieved that which is a remarkable result over a 12-month period. I take my hat off to him."
