The All Blacks are putting sentiment to the side this week, as they prepare for Saturday's return Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies in Dunedin.
Due to the truncated nature of the Rugby Championship in a World Cup year, Saturday afternoon is the last men's test to be played on home soil in 2023.
The encounter is the All Blacks penultimate test before this year's Rugby World Cup, before a warm-up clash against the Springboks at Twickenham as the last hitout before France.
However, as the global four-year cycle concludes, Saturday afternoon will close the book on many within the All Blacks' ranks in Aotearoa.
Dunedin will be coach Ian Foster's last home test match, with Scott Robertson taking the reins from next year.
Meanwhile, the likes of Sam Whitelock, Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith will likely wear the black jersey on home soil for the final time, having all signed overseas contracts to play in Europe and Japan.
Hooker Dane Coles is another to say goodbye, retiring at the end of the year, while Richie Mo'unga's future is also uncertain after signing a three-year deal to play in Japan.
But, as such a key contingent prepare to say goodbye to New Zealand, All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan emphasises that any personal recognition has to take a back seat given the looming shadow of the World Cup.
"There's emotion every week, in a test week," said Ryan. "Guys get to represent their country.
"It's important, but I think this one being down in Dunedin - I think the first Bledisloe was played there many, many years ago - we want to get down there and have a really good performance.
"It's more about the All Blacks in our last game at home, before we head away to a really special tournament that only comes around every four years."
On the playing front, though, those saying goodbye aren't letting their personal circumstances get in the way of preparation.
But for the players confirmed to be returning in 2024, sending out the departing group in style will be an objective to see through.
"There hasn't been any talk of it as of yet," added hooker Codie Taylor. "I'm sure in the boys' minds, they've thought about that.
"Playing at home is always special. All going well, hopefully some of those lads get a crack to go out there and represent their country and finish their careers in New Zealand on a high.
"It'd be nice."
With both the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup titles secured thanks to Saturday's emphatic win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, there's little on the line in Dunedin.
However, next weekend does loom large for fringe All Blacks, wanting to put their hands up for the last time before the World Cup squad is confirmed on August 7.
Coach Foster has already confirmed mass changes are likely to face the Wallabies for a second time.
And in a year that's so far seen the All Blacks impress from the first whistle, Ryan says standards will not drop.
"We definitely won't compromise performance," he continued. "We'll prepare with the utmost respect.
"It's a special test match, for us being the last one at home this year. We really want to build on the performances that we've had so far."
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