'These are guys who were there in Chicago and part of that Test series loss last year so there is a lot of hurt and underlying motivation in that performance as well.”
Dan Carter says Johnny Sexton will come to take pride in his 'world-class' finish - even if it wasn't the fairytale ending that he wanted.
"It's hard to speak on behalf of Johnny and what his future looks like because only he knows what's going to give him the fulfilment and happiness that he needs post-rugby," said Carter, a two-time World Cup winner. "And when he does that, both in the blue and the green jersey, he should be really proud and satisfied.
Carter said: "It was such a serious injury and he kept it very quiet, just went about his work and rehabbed night and day to get back, and that just goes to show how proud he is of playing for his country and wanting the team to do well.Carter has been present at the Stade de France to watch the All Blacks' progress through the knock-out stages and into the final against South Africa.
"They were challenged defensively on a number of occasions by the Irish side and to have that trust in each other and patience at a big moment like that was really important.”