Ma'a Nonu: 'New Zealand need to stick together'

New Zealand centre Ma'a Nonu has stressed the importance of the team sticking together in the immediate aftermath of their Rugby World Cup triumph.

The All Blacks are set for a changing of the guard when the dust settles from the tournament, with Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Nonu, Conrad Smith and Keven Mealamu - who boast almost 600 caps between them - all expected to retire from international rugby.

The centre, who scored his side's second try in their 34-17 victory over Australia in this evening's final at Twickenham, refused to draw comparisons with the team's success at the last World Cup four years ago, but is keen to make the most of his dwindling time with the squad.

"[The win in] 2011 is just a memory now. I think this one will stick out in the next 48 hours. I think it's key that we stick together in the next 48 hours as it's probably the last time that we will see this team together," he told Sports Mole.

Nonu finishes his career 10th on the all-time list of New Zealand try-scorers having touched down 31 times in 102 appearances.