So that's it: Aaron Cruden will farewell New Zealand at the end of the Super Rugby season.
It's been an inspirational story, with his recovery from testicular cancer and return to the elite level of world rugby. And while filling Dan Carter's All Black boots was never going to be easy, Cruden has enjoyed many great moments - here are just five:
THE DEBUT: Most players will tell you that their international debut is extra special - and for Cruden it was back in June 2010. Cometh the 53rd minute, cometh the man, as he replaced Carter at No 10 (a recurring theme over the next few years). The All Blacks went on to record an extremely comfortable 66-28 victory. His first try came two weeks later, in a 29-10 win over Wales in Hamilton.
THE SEMIFINAL: The anticipation for the 2011 World Cup semifinal at Eden Park was palpable. NZ seemed on an unstoppable path to glory, but everyone was wary of the old enemy Australia. Quade Cooper's kick-off went straight into touch and you kind of knew the writing was on the wall. Cruden slotted a long-range drop goal to make the score 11-3 and kept the ship steady. Aged just 22, the nuggety little Chief had led the All Blacks to the final, sending New Zealand into raptures. A knee injury in the final robbed Cruden of the ultimate glory, although he still hobbled away with a winner's medal.
THE GLORY YEARS: Cruden was the Chiefs' heartbeat during their most successful domestic period, winning two consecutive Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013. The 2012 final was a demolition job in Hamilton, as the Chiefs ran in four tries, with Cruden adding four from four conversions and three penalties. The 2013 showpiece was a tighter affair against the Brumbies - but yet again Cruden stayed cool and delivered 17 points in a 27-22 victory, cementing his place in the hearts of all Chiefs supporters.
THAT KICK: It was gone ... over - done -the incredible winning run of 2013 was coming to an end and with it the perfect season. Ireland were 22-17 ahead in injury time. Then up steps Ryan Crotty for one of the most memorable tries in All Black history, tying the scores at 22-all.
Cruden pushed the gut-wrenching conversion wide - but the early-charging Irish players gave him a reprieve. Second time around he nailed it and Cruden's place in history was assured.
THE LEADER: It was obvious early in Cruden's career that he was destined for great things. He captained the Palmerston North Boys' High School First XV, before also wearing the armband at the 2009 IRB Junior World Championships, which New Zealand of course won. The Junior Player of the Year later went on to become a part of the All Blacks leadership group and will be sadly missed.
