By the time Sam Whitelock arrives back in New Zealand, he could be the most-capped All Black in history.
As the All Blacks departed for Europe - where they'll play a test against South Africa at London, before the Rugby World Cup in France - Whitelock had accrued 145 test caps, just three behind former captain Richie McCaw.
With the Springboks test, as well as World Cup pool matches against France, Italy, Namibia and Uruguay, before any prospective quarter-final, Whitelock will more than likely pass his former skipper.
Injury to Brodie Retallick has left Whitelock and Scott Barrett as the only fit senior locks heading to France, with Tupou Vaa'i (21 caps) the fourth second-rower in the squad and Josh Lord (three caps) on standby against the Springboks.
Despite the huge milestone looming for a player who's been an All Black for more than a decade, coach Ian Foster emphasizes personal milestones will take a backseat to the quest to win a fourth Web Ellis Cup.
"It would be great, but it's something we'll talk about closer to the time," said Foster. "We're in a week-at-a-time mode.
"Personal records, we'll address closer to the time, but he's a pretty special man."
Foster also hails Whitelock's onfield response to a troublesome 2023. An Achilles injury in Super Rugby Pacific sidelined him for the opening tests of the year.
In that time, Crusaders teammate Scott Barrett has gone from strength to strength as a starting lock to become virtually undroppable, leaving Whitelock and Retallick battling to secure a starting spot between themselves.
At no point has Foster questioned whether Whitelock's ability to keep going with such a huge two months on the horizon.
"He's always been a special part of this team," Foster added. "We've given him a different role this year.
"He came off the bench one test and did that well. He's willing to respond to the challenge of the form of some of the other locks, so it's a pretty competitive situation."
Regardless of what happens in France, this World Cup will almost certainly be Whitelock's last.
A deal signed with French club Pau means he won't be eligible for the All Blacks in 2024 - barring a drastic change in eligibility rules from NZ Rugby.
