Will Genia "sad" to see back of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter

Australia scrum-half Will Genia has insisted that he is "sad" to see Richie McCaw and Dan Carter depart from the international stage.

The New Zealand pair are widely regarded as two of the greatest players of all time, with McCaw boasting a record 148 caps and Carter having notched up 1,601 international points - 355 more than the next highest on the all-time list.

Both went out on a high note with a 34-17 victory over Australia in this evening's Rugby World Cup final, and Genia believes that such an exit is befitting of such players.

"They're great players. It's always sad to see great players like that depart from the game, and what a fitting way for them to depart with a World Cup medal," Genia told Sports Mole.

In addition to McCaw and Carter, New Zealand stalwarts Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Keven Mealamu will also hang up their boots following their triumph.