If Rieko Ioane needs a reminder to keep his head in the Super Rugby game, the Blues' defeat to ACT Brumbies has served that purpose.
Widely tipped to challenge the Crusaders' six-year supremacy over the competition, the Auckland-based side have been rocked onto their heels early, with their 'Super Round' loss to the Aussies at Melbourne.
While bigger-picture issues hover over their star midfielder, Ioane knows he can't get distracted, as his team regroups from their setback.
"There's no sign of big panic in camp," he told Newshub. "We know how good we can be when things start to click and I feel as though they will soon."
With All Blacks coaching appointment and his own future with the national team dominating the rugby rumour mill, Ioane, 25, isn't giving too much away on either front.
NZ Rugby's decision to recruit before the World Cup - and Ian Foster's decision not to re-apply - has opened up speculation over his successor, namely who can possibly beat out Crusaders coach Scott Robertson for the role, since he seems the natural choice.
Successive captains Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and incumbent Sam Cane have all weighed in on the decision, but Ioane isn't getting drawn into any debate.
"It is what it is," said Ioane. "I’m in no position to speak on how events unfolded.
"As players, we're looking forward to playing in our clubs and without too many distractions, but life happens. At the end of the day, it's a business and we see that every day in this job.
"I've got a clear head for the Blues, my sole focus is the Blues, so i don’t let too much outside noise distract me."
One possible darkhorse candidate is former Ireland mastermind Joe Schmidt, who has worked in support roles with both the Blues and the national side.
Schmidt took over the All Blacks reins against his old team, when Foster and his staff came down with COVID-19, guiding them to their only win in a historic series defeat.
"Schmidty's a top bloke and I've got nothing but praise for the man," said Ioane. "He's more than capable, but like I said, top man, but my eyes are in here."
Blues coach Leon MacDonald has also emerged as a key player in the All Blacks selection, as a possible member of Robertson's coaching staff, but also linked to the Scotland head-coaching job.
"He’s a codehead through and through, but he's a good man off the field as well," said Ioane. "I think the way he sees the game is different to how I used to approach games and he’s got a different tactical eye to what i’m used to.
"It's something very refreshing and I've learned a hell of a lot. I'm sure whatever his spin on whatever team he's in will be positive."
Ioane tempers those observations with an admission that he would likely give any of his coaches glowing reviews.
As for his own future beyond the World Cup, Ioane has reportedly committed to a contract with Japanese club Ricoh Black Rams in League One, joining an exodus of senior players seeking financial security in their twilight years.
A long-term absence would hurt the All Blacks, with the star centre expected to command his spot for many years to come.
When news of the contract broke last month, Ioane denied it and isn't prepared to change his tune now.
"Like I said, I'm just leaving it up to the right people to get sorted," he told Newshub. "I have my own support system around me to help me look after my future."
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