New Zealand captain Richie McCaw remains proud of the All Blacks despite marking his record-breaking 134th appearance for the nation with defeat to South Africa.
McCaw surpassed Sir Colin Meads for the record number of All Blacks appearances at Ellis Park but couldn’t mark the occasion with a win against the Springboks.
A Pat Lambie penalty from fully 55 metres with seconds remaining gave South Africa a 27-25 victory that ended the All Blacks’ run of 22 Test matches without defeat.
McCaw is now third on the all-time Test appearance list, headed by British & Irish Lion Brian O’Driscoll, and insisted the All Blacks have been a credit to the nation during their run.
“The boys are hurting and rightly so,” he said. “They're hugely disappointed because even though we didn't play well early we gave ourselves a chance and we didn't get there.
“Even though we lost I was still proud to stand there with a bunch of good men. That's why I play the game.”
