'I am going to have to live with forever' - Sam Cane on red card in World Cup final

All Blacks captain Sam Cane expressed his enduring regret about being shown a red card in the Rugby World Cup final, acknowledging that he will carry the weight of that moment for the rest of his life.

Cane was initially sin-binned in the 28th minute during the final game against South Africa for a high tackle on South Africa's Jesse Kriel and was later upgraded to a red card leaving the All Blacks a player short for the majority of the game.

His absence proved decisive for New Zealand as they were edged away by a 11-12 margin as the Springboks went on to win the World Cup for the fourth time.

"There at the time, I wasn't even aware," Cane said.

"It sort of caught me off guard the fact he stepped back. But, look, we've been at this tournament for two months now, and anything around the head has ramifications.

"I'm not here to discuss whether it was right or wrong.

"It can't be changed. It's something unfortunately I am going to have to live with forever."

All Blacks coach Ian Foster came in support of Cane during the post-match conference.

"It's a tough old day at the office when that happens. He'll feel a lot of emotion, I guess. There are a few issues there.

"You look at the decision and think it is what it is. We can't control that, unfortunately. I didn't feel we got the rub of the green in that first half so we had to try and make our own luck. That was one that went against us.

"I think we've all seen the way Sam has contributed to the game, to our team behind the scenes, it's fantastic.

"Worthy of being captain of the All Blacks, which is an honour and a privilege and I think he has carried that magnificently. I'm incredibly proud of him and proud to coach him."