While players want changes to the Super Rugby Aotearoa format, the competition has brought much-needed financial relief for franchises.
Facing grim outlook with no rugby during the COVID-19 lockdown, the all-Kiwi derby format has stimulated interest and that in turn relieved teams of a major financial burden.
On Monday, the Blues were busy cleaning rugby boots to hand out to clubs and schools - the team's way of giving back to a community that's given so much to them.
"We've made it a big focus of ours getting out in the community and just trying to see blue everywhere," says star first-five Beauden Barrett.
And the fans have certainly responded.
All five franchises were facing an uncertain future, when coronavirus put a halt to rugby. There's no hiding, the outlook was bleak.
"It leaves a vulnerability and there were some dark days heading into COVID," Blues chief executive Andrew Hore tells Newshub.
"We would've had to make cutbacks and we would've had to trim our cloth accordingly. We would've survived, but it would've been bloody tough."
But since Super Rugby Aotearoa kicked off in June, interest levels have soared.
The Blues have twice sold out Eden Park, with an average crowd of 37,000 - more than double what they had last year.
"What we have learned out of this is the value of the fan," says Hore.
The Crusaders have learned a similar lesson.
"We've had two sellouts, which frankly, in the stadium we're in, is the first time since 2014 or 2015," says CEO Calin Mansbridge.
That's a far cry from the future they could've faced and despite no competition structure yet in place for next season, Super Rugby Aotearoa's success has ensured teams can be part of whatever it might look like.
"It's enabled us to ensure the longevity of the brand," says Hore.
"It's been very very helpful," echoes Mansbridge. "It's got us out of a hole, no doubt about it.
Barrett agrees.
"Everyone has enjoyed it," he says. "It has been hard on the players, but all in all, it's what we needed."
Little wonder it's firming as one of the proposed formats for next season.
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Hurricanes v Highlanders Super Rugby Aotearoa clash
