Sentimentality is thin on the ground in both camps as the Crusaders and the Waratahs focus on winning a Super 14 final.
It would be tunnel-vision this week, both teams said yesterday, and emphasised it with their selections, despite the veil of emotion that will cloak AMI Stadium tomorrow night.
A Crusaders side chasing its sixth Super rugby title insists the imminent departure of long-serving coach Robbie Deans, stalwarts Reuben Thorne and Caleb Ralph and potentially more team members is having no impact on preparations.
First five-eighth Daniel Carter is one who may well be missing next season, but he said it had been steady sailing all week and would be right up to kick-off.
"Nothing's really changed, we've gone through all the usual routines," Carter said.
"We're here as a team and I'm sure those guys [leaving] won't be thinking about that at all until after the game.
"Hopefully, we can send them off in the right way."
The Waratahs have likewise adopted a pragmatic stance despite standing on the edge of a maiden Super title and farewelling coach of five years Ewen McKenzie.
It was down to the business of team naming yesterday, when reality again ruled over romance.
Deans, who has again preferred Tim Bateman over All Black prospect Stephen Brett at second five-eighth, also found no room in the starting XV for franchise mainstays Thorne and Ralph.
Former All Black and Crusaders skipper Thorne (33) is on the bench and should get a late appearance in his record ninth Super rugby final and mark the end of a 13-year New Zealand first-class career.
Deans acknowledged Thorne's contribution.
"He's been an integral part of this era. He's an archetypal Crusader, really," Deans said.
"You lose a bloke who understands the meaning, understands what it's all about, who's been a great source of support and strength to people around him."
It had been difficult to leave Ralph out of the squad altogether, with the wing/centre on the verge of two competition records.
He will finish one game short of the Super rugby record of 136 matches, held by ACT Brumbies great George Gregan, and one try shy of the competition record, 58, held by Blues winger Doug Howlett.
"It's tough. It's one of those sad realities that we all finish frustrated," Deans said.
For the Waratahs, Wales-bound veteran No 8 David Lyons failed a fitness test on his hamstring yesterday and has been sidelined for a second week, with Beau Robinson retained in his bench spot.
McKenzie paid tribute to former Wallaby Lyons, who raised his century of matches for the state in what has been an injury-riddled season.
"It's disappointing for him because he's been such a stalwart for us. We were hoping to count on his experience," he said.
Both teams changed their starting hookers, as expected, but otherwise have kept the same teams which were so impressive in the semifinals last Saturday.
Ti'i Paulo replaces injured Crusaders rake Corey Flynn, having performed strongly for 68 minutes in the 33-22 win over the Hurricanes.
Wider training group hooker Steve Fualau comes on to the bench for a baptism of fire.
First-choice hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is restored as a Waratahs starter after missing the 28-13 pounding of the Sharks in Sydney, with Adam Freier dropping to the bench.
Deans made a plea for a large crowd after just 18,000 watched the semifinal last weekend, although he stressed they should not come merely as a last hurrah before he leaves for Australia.
"They'll be coming for the contest first and foremost," Deans said.
"Finals are always great, the intensity, the uncertainty is what the sport's all about."
Both teams trained in warm, sunny conditions yesterday.
Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Kade Poki, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Steve Fualau, Ben Franks, Reuben Thorne, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Stephen Brett, Sean Maitland.
Waratahs: Sam Norton-Knight, Lachie Turner, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (captain), Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Adam Freier, Matt Dunning, Will Caldwell, Beau Robinson, Brett Sheehan, Matt Carraro, Timana Tahu.
