The Rolls Royce of fly halves will call time on his career whether or not New Zealand lift the Rugby World Cup on Saturday evening.

Irrespective of what happens Dan Carter will retire a World Cup winner, the game’s leading international points scorer and – probably more importantly – a legendary All Black capped 112 times by his country.

Kiwi skipper Richie McCaw, also expected to retire after tomorrow, will do much the same only his cap collection will tip the balance at 148 according to World Rugby – a world record and more impressive when you consider more than 100 of those came as captain.

Carter’s influence was for all to see when his drop goal helped spark the fight back that saw the All Blacks overcome a 12-7 deficit to defeat South Africa 20-18 in the semi-finals on Saturday.

It is the sort of calm, clear thinking decision that give the All Blacks the edge over their southern hemisphere neighbours and hooker Dane Coles is more than happy to have him on his side when hostilities kick-off tomorrow.

“He’s been huge not just in the last two games, but throughout the tournament. I’m just stoked for the guy,” he said of the 33-year-old, who missed the 2011 final through injury.

"He had a few injuries over the last couple of years but the way he’s prepared well, always working so hard at his game and his rehab to get himself in the best nick for the game, has been so impressive. He’s massive for us.”

Carter and 34-year-old McCaw may yet become part of the first team to win back-to-back World Cups, with rugby HQ playing a fitting backdrop to the end of their glittering careers.

But standing in their way are two of the tournament’s most talked about players.

Number seven Mike Hooper and number eight David Pocock – both effectively openside flankers – have been the scourge of attackers thoughout.

Just ask England captain Chris Robshaw.

If McCaw, who was labelled the greatest ever All Black by coach Steve Hansen this week, and Carter are to sign off in style, then the Wallaby duo are the players the All Blacks will have to circumnavigate to get their hands on the Webb Ellis Cup.

And old campaigner Keven Mealamu, who like his fellow veterans is appearing in his fourth World Cup, believes keeping them quiet is just a side issue to taking care of their own game.

“They will pose a lot of questions,” he added.

“A lot of the talk has been about David Pocock and we understand he is a threat, “But there are so many other parts of the game to concentrate on.

“There are other strengths that are just as important and have to be ready for.”

And loose forward Sam Cane could not agree more.

“Obviously, he [Pocock] had another very strong game,” he said.

“If we get our ball carries right and focus on the urgency of our cleaners, that’s all we can control and that’s what we’ve got to do to the best of our ability.

“If we get that right, hopefully we’ll nullify the amount of time he gets on the ball.”