Muliaina reflects on All Blacks career

Mils Muliaina is coming to terms with life as a former All Black after his RWC 2011 campaign was disappointingly cut short.

The veteran full back suffered a tournament-ending shoulder injury while earning his 100th Test cap in New Zealand's quarter-final win over Argentina at the weekend.

"I knew straight away," he said of the knock to his left shoulder. "By half-time, Doc (Deb Robinson) had done all the tests and I couldn't move my arm, so I knew then that something serious has happened."

Come Monday morning, his worst fears were confirmed by a series of scans.

"I've just got a wee fracture behind the socket of my shoulder. I've been told it's probably going to be about six to eight weeks," he said.

Holding back the tears, the 31-year-old shared his memories of spending more than a third of his life in the famous black jersey.

"This is rugby. Last night I was on top of the world playing my 100th game and it's like a rollercoaster ride and you're back down to reality. Today's really about reflecting on what I've done."

Shattering news

Muliaina says he will miss the people he has met while playing for the All Blacks the most. After receiving the shattering news, he spent most of the day with his family before telling his teammates of his forced early retirement from the international scene.

"I really wanted to finish in a couple of weeks' time, but it's not to be," he added. "In a way, it gives me an opportunity to go out and have a beer without getting caught."

Muliaina admits becoming just the second All Black to earn 100 Test caps softened the blow, even if just a little.

"I've had an outstanding run and I'm particularly proud to have been an All Black," he said.

As a sign of respect, Muliaina was given a round of applause by the world's media as he left his final All Blacks press conference.

However, his playing career is not quite over yet, with a move to Japanese club NTT Docomo on the cards. But, for the moment, his focus is still on the All Blacks as they take on Australia in their semi-final match at Eden Park on Sunday.

"It's about being an outstanding spectator for the boys and hopefully being around a little bit longer to support them through this week and hopefully next week."