It was a far more subdued send-off for Carisbrook compared with the sell-out Welsh test last year, which featured pipe bands, a fireworks extravaganza and raucous celebrations from fans.
The fine evening failed to bring out the sizeable walk-up crowd the New Zealand Rugby Union was hoping for, with a final tally of about 15,000 spectators a disappointing turnout for the first All Blacks test of this World Cup year.
The Carisbrook test was also the only match the All Blacks will play in the South Island this year, after the game was arranged by the NZRU to cater for a warm-up to the Tri Nation series and also as a fundraiser for the Christchurch earthquake appeal.
While Carisbrook has lost much of the allure it once held, it has always been a ground which attracted colourful characters and supporters, many of whom have misty-eyed memories of the times they enjoyed together on the terraces.
Last night's test brought brothers Dave Morgan, of Wellington, and Steve Morgan, of Christchurch, back together at Carisbrook for the first time since the pair watched a Bledisloe Cup match in 1994.
The pair were enjoying pre-match pies and beer in the Carisbrook Hotel and were reliving their glory days growing up in Port Chalmers.
Nelson man Mark Bezett said he always travelled south to watch a Carisbrook test.
"I'm from Dunedin and I've been to nearly every All Black test at the 'Brook for the last 15 years," he said.
"I'm looking forward to the new stadium, but it's a real shame we've got to give up Carisbrook. Being the last game, I would have thought there would be a hell of a lot more people along," he said.
Mr Bezett planned to take up his "usual" favourite spectator haunt to enjoy the unique House of Pain atmosphere.
"Nothing beats standing in the terraces. You're so close to everyone and you end up talking to all those around. We're all here for one thing, and that's to have a good time," he said.
Optimistic Fiji fan Vic Kumar was one of many colourful island nation supporters clowning around at Carisbrook.
After attending the past four "farewell" games at the old ground, being able to watch his first live Fiji test at Carisbrook was "awesome".
"I never thought I would ever get a chance to watch Fiji here. It is like a dream come true to see them at Carisbrook," Mr Kumar said.
Carisbrook season pass-holders Nicola Bailey, Karen Carraher, Shirley Hannah, and Jenny Hansen, all of Dunedin, had ditched their main-stand seats to watch the last All Black test from the terraces.
"We come to all the games here. It's more entertaining when you're [on the terrace]. Carisbrook will be sorely missed," Ms Bailey said.
Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken said the crowd at the "half-full" stadium had been well behaved, with many families in attendance.
One man was arrested at the game for allegedly breaching bail conditions, he said.
