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They may have experienced contrasting emotions when the fulltime whistle sounded, but World Cup rejects Piri Weepu and Troy Flavell still shared common ground after the provincial rugby final.
The last time they met on Eden Park they were among the All Blacks' victory lap after retaining the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup silverware in July.
Less than 24 hours later their names were missing from the 30-man World Cup squad for France and after Saturday night's Air NZ Cup final both were coy on whether they would seek to prolong their international careers.
Weepu seems better placed for a recall given Byron Kelleher's imminent return to France, but was non-committal when quizzed on his future.
"I'm still contracted to next year. If I make the Hurricanes squad I'll see out that and decide from there," said Weepu, who has consistently expressed a desire to try his hand at league since making his All Blacks debut three years ago.
Flavell, who turns 31 next month, was also unsure about the future.
"I'll be playing for the Blues and I'll look at my options after that."
The flanker/lock returned from Japan last year specifically to push for the World Cup squad and was disappointed to be overlooked.
Being part of an Auckland setup for the first time was some consolation.
"This is my first [provincial] championship, it's another box I can tick. Winning the Ranfurly Shield and now the championship makes up for some of the disappointment, it's an enjoyable way to top off the year."
