Aaron Cruden has been trying to live in the moment and not think about the end that is coming at him faster than that Lions defensive line.

Saturday's series decider between the All Blacks and British and Irish Lions at Eden Park will settle not just the latest instalment to one of rugby's most significant rivalries, but also chalk up three notable milestones for the home team.

Of course it is the 100th test for All Blacks skipper Kieran Read who becomes the seventh member of the special Centurions' Club in New Zealand rugby. None of the six previous inductees (Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Mils Miuliana) have lost on the occasion of their 100th caps, and Read will be desperate to add his name to that list on Saturday night as the New Zealanders look to avoid becoming just the second side from these shores to lose a series to the Lions, and just the second All Blacks team to lose a series from 1-0 up.

But is will also be a special night at a sold-out Eden Park for Cruden and his fellow bench squad member Charlie Faumuina who will play their 50th, and final, tests for the All Blacks before departing to take up offshore contracts (in Montpellier and Toulouse, respectively).

​READ MORE:

* Time for ABs to be ABs

* Read embraces big moment

* One school, six All Blacks

* Kieran Read: centurymaker

​* Singing the Lions' praises

SUPPLIED Aaron Cruden will "make the most" of his final Test as an All Black before his France move.

As has become the norm, they will have a big part to play in proceedings as they enter the fray as part of Steve Hansen's supersubs bench brigade, a lot more often than not helping to seal the deal for the All Blacks in the latter stages of proceedings as they provide the requisite lift.

"The challenge in front of us doesn't get much bigger, I suppose bar a World Cup final," said Cruden in the leadup. "To play my 50th this week is going to be pretty exciting. But for me rugby hasn't been about individual accolades, it's been about trying to contribute to the team performance.

"If I get the opportunity off the bench I'm going to enjoy every moment I get and bask in what's going to be a fantastic atmosphere at Eden Park."

ANDREW CORNAGA/PHOTOSPORT It's a fond farewell to Eden Park for Aaron Cruden in his 50th test for the All Blacks tonight.

Cruden said he had tried to suppress the emotions around running out in the black jersey of his country for the final time.

"For me this series has been about trying to embrace it and enjoy all the special moments you get throughout. After this I'll head back to the Chiefs and then away to France. But first and foremost we've got to make sure we get job done [against the Lions]."

Faumuina, who has already gone through the emotions of making his final home appearance for the Blues on the same Eden Park track against the same Lions opposition, said it would be a "special" way to end his international career.

HANNAH PETERS/GETTY IMAGES Charlie Faumuina warms up ahead of the Test match betweenAll Blacks and Samoa at Eden Park on June 16.

"To play in front of a full house where I've played a lot of games will be a good little sendoff. To see your family at games and afterwards, and to be able to play in front of them in the black jersey, there have been some good moments there.

"I remember when the Blues had the last game here (a surprise win over the Lions), I was just soaking it in as I walked off knowing it was the last time I was going to have that Blues jersey on. It will be the same coming off the field with the All Blacks. I just want to enjoy it with the boys and hopefully go out on a good note."

Of course Fortress Eden Park, where the All Blacks have run off 38 straight victories since a defeat and a draw there in 1994, presents as the perfect venue for both to bow out on.

ANDREW CORNAGA/PHOTOSPORT All Blacks captain Kieran Read during the Captain's Run ahead of the 3rd and deciding test match against the British and Irish Lions.

Cruden nominates the 2011 World Cup as his standout memories at the ground, though admits tonight might rival it.

"The anticipation from the public, the fans, the media and also us as a playing group, we just can't wait for the opportunity to get back out there and mix it with a pretty good Lions side and after 80 minutes the best team will come out on top."

Cruden, who has been part of some big moments in the All Blacks jersey, was asked what about these special occasions seems to bring out the best in this No 1 side on the planet.

"We try to stick to our processes, and if we're able to do that through the crucial moments in crucial games, generally that has good results for us.

"We look back at last weekend and probably in those crucial moments we weren't as clinical or polished as we normally are. That's been at the forefront of our minds this week. It's about understanding what our roles are as individuals and collectively combining that to make sure we're ready for the occasion and whatever comes our way."

Do that, and Cruden and Faumuina might just have that special memory they'd dearly love to mark their 50th, and final, tests in that famous black jersey.