It's the moment every All Black goes through - the realisation that it's time to move on.
After 43 caps and three years out of the national side, Liam Messam has finally come to terms with the fact that his All Blacks dream has come to an end.
Messam is now preparing to say goodbye to the All Black jersey.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it," he told Newshub. "It is what it is now, so I got to move on with my decision."
The Chiefs captain could have just three games left on this side of the globe, before taking off for French giants Toulon.
"It's about making sure the younger players coming through know the meaning of Chiefs mana. It's something we don't say very lightly, it takes a lot of effort to gain that respect and earn it.
After back-to back titles with the Chiefs, Commonwealth gold and Rugby World Cup wins, the 34-year-old's done it all in the game.
But he's still keeping a protective eye on the number six jersey he wore for seven years. Messam likes what he sees in newcomer Shannon Frizzell, who made his All Blacks debut just last weekend.
"He's an exciting young talent, a powerful young man. It's a lot to ask growing into the shoes of Jerome Kaino, but with time, he'll get there.
And as he prepares to leave, he's focused on what he's leaving behind.
"I'm just making sure I leave my legacy strong for the next young players coming through.
"The time will come to hang up the Chiefs jersey, but we're still guaranteed three weeks."
And if the Chiefs can make the Super Rugby finals again, this smile will be staying in New Zealand a little longer.
Newshub.
