"When we sat there ... and looked at the legends who were leaving," he said.
The support was what Nonu would miss the most about being an All Black. "Playing in NZ, playing at home in front of friends and family - I've loved every minute of being an All Black."
Carter said he would really miss the fans. "You guys are amazing."
Conrad Smith said it was time for the "young fellas" to take over.
"This is a dream come true, really ... and it's better than you can ever imagine." Coles thanked fans for the support during the tour.
1:30pm: Don't drop the cup!
Richie McCaw almost lost the cup at today's victory celebration at Victoria Park in Auckland - the top of the cup, that is.
McCaw was making his way down a barricaded pathway, meeting with fans, as the top of the cup fell to the ground. The drop drew gasps and groans from the crowd who saw it on the big screens near the stage.
But the skipper, taking his leadership seriously, picked up the top of the cup and put it back in its rightful position and carried on with meeting elated fans.
He continued: "There's no better feeling than being able to hold that cup up again. We had heard this country was going pretty nuts on Sunday morning."
He extended his thanks to everyone for supporting the team over the four years from 2011.
Coach Steve Hansen said it was an honour and a privilege to be invoked with the All Blacks, "but, to be able to put a smile on the faces of so many people is even more of a privilege".
Hansen said the only time he was nervous about the game was when Ben Smith was yellow-carded.
"He was thinking of what island he was going to go to if they got up over us."
McCaw said Hansen brought the team down to earth after the 2011 win.
"That set the tone right from the word go ... He's got great support staff ... As players you get everything you need in terms of being helped out and you can go out and play well."
1:15pm: Mayor Len Brown acknowledged the "outstanding performance" by the team and McCaw.
"Captain courageous, greatest skipper, wonderful rugby player, let's put our hands together for Richie McCaw," he said.
"It's just not been the cup, the last four years they have lost only three games out of 53 tests ... that's a brilliant performance."
"[Richie]'s held, and maybe no one will ever do this again, the world cup twice in a row."
He also announced McCaw would be granted the Freedom of the City, but joked he would "still have to pay your rates if you've got property here".
1:05pm: Shelley Brockelsby and daughter Paige arrived in Auckland yesterday after being in England for the final match.
They have their tickets to the historic match in their hands and they are hopeful they will get them signed by players.
"It was an amazing game. We didn't go over with tickets to the final, we had tickets to the quarter final and we were watching some sites deciding what to do," Mrs Brockelsby said.
In the end, the family decided to buy four of the best tickets available.
"It was incredible, just an amazing vibe," Paige said.
The team are high-fiving young supporters as they stride on stage and take their seats.
12:45pm: A number of players stopped to thank those who took part in a traditional powhiri - with Ma'a Nonu and Liam Messam stopping to give them a hongi.
The team is still making its way towards the stage and have been meeting fans for the past 45 minutes.
12:40pm: The All Blacks are now enjoying their first victory parade at Victoria Park in Auckland City.
M'a Nonu arrives at the victory parade with a big smile on his face. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Many of the team were sporting sunglasses and Julian Savea was happy to admit his croaky voice was the result of "still celebrating hard."
The media were given only a small window to speak with players before being blocked off as they continued down a long line of fans - many of whom were screaming their favourite players names.
11am: The All Blacks aren't due to arrive in Victoria Park for about another hour and a half but thousands of Aucklanders have already arrived in Victoria Park, keen to be a part of the action.
There's currently a break in the rain but many people are in the park with raincoats and umbrellas at the ready. A big stage has been set up, with two large screens either side.
Gates separate a path that will bring the All Blacks from Halsey St into the park. Fans have lined up against the gates, keen to try receive some autographs or photos with the players.
Trucks and buses passing over the park on the motorway flyover have been tooting their horns as they pass.
10:50am: McCaw posts on his new Facebook account ahead of the parade.
"But, there are some showers behind that front. Around [12pm] there could be a clearance."
Blustery southwesterlies are expected to build throughout the day, making the weather seem a lot colder than it is.
"Take a raincoat if you're going to the parade," Ms Flynn said.
People intending on going to Victoria Park for the event are encouraged to take buses, cycle or walk.
10:30am: The All Blacks are getting ready for the parade after arriving at their Auckland hotel.
Victoria Park celebrations
11am: Victoria Park entertainment- DJ 11.30am: Victoria Park entertainment- Ladi 6 11.45am: All Blacks depart hotel 12.20pm: Victoria Park entertainment- Sol3 Mio 12.30pm: Victoria Park- All Blacks welcomed onto Victoria Park with a karanga 12.45pm: Al Blacks make their way to the stage 1.10pm: All Blacks welcomed to the stage 1.20pm: Haka from schools 1.30pm: Sol3 Mio 1.35pm: Mayor Len Brown 1.40pm: Steve Hansen and Richie McCaw 1.50pm: Q&A with the All Blacks 2pm: Team exits the stage 2pm: Victoria Park entertainment- Modern Maori Quartet 2.10pm: Victoria Park entertainment- DJ 2.30pm: Event concludes
Earlier today huge roars of excitement and applause rang through Auckland Airport as the winning All Blacks walked into the arrivals lounge to thousands of adoring fans.
Richie McCaw shows off the Webb Ellis Cup at the airport. Photo / Greg Bowker
Dan Carter speaks to media. Photo / Doug Sherring
Sonny Bill Williams arrives at Auckland International Airport. Photo / Greg Bowker
