Sam Whitelock will be given until the Crusaders' pre-game warm-up on Saturday to prove his fitness, as the veteran lock desperately tries to line up one final time for the club.
Whitelock's been named to start, but is no certainty to take the field, although Crusaders training on Friday would've given reason for optimism.
Whitelock took a full part in the Crusaders captain's run in the morning, running freely and looking upbeat. The signs are good, but the Crusaders won't be rushing him.
"What we've seen from Sam out there is very positive," said Crusaders assistant coach Scott Hansen. "Sam needs to make that decision.
"There's no pressure from us, we understand where he's at."
Whitelock is undoubtedly desperate to play. At 177 games, his Crusaders career comes to a close regardless.
Bowing out on his terms would be the ultimate end and Hansen is optimistic he'll get it.
"Sam is looking really good, he's training really well," he said. "Sam will make a decision in the pre-game warm-up around what's best for him.
Whitelock has a lot on his plate this year. The Rugby Championship begins in just two weeks and then there's the small matter of the World Cup just around the corner.
"There's more to do for Sam this year," Hansen said.
The Chiefs are bracing for his presence and his impact. They know the difference he can make, but aren't fazed by his potential return.
"He's been here plenty of times, he'll be an asset for them, but in all honesty, we're just worrying about ourselves," said Chiefs midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown. "We know if we do our job right, we can do it."
The final will provide a night of farewells on both sides.
For the Crusaders, Hansen departs to the All Blacks, alongside Scott Robertson, a partnership he hopes will continue to flourish.
"What Razor does is he allows everyone in the environment to be themselves and that's the biggest form of leadership really," Hansen said.
That style has proved efficient for the past seven years and the Crusaders are hopeful it can land them another title tomorrow.
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