Like a big bear that stirs as hibernation comes to an end, Richie McCaw is starting to grumble about bringing his sabbatical to a close.
Fans of McCaw the rugby player, McCaw the leader of men, and McCaw the All Black and Crusaders openside can now breathe easy, knowing he will soon be back in action. Those who have been on the receiving end of his ability to make a nuisance of himself at ruck time will be trembling in their boots.
Everyone hopes that the six-month period McCaw took off to physically and mentally refresh himself has worked.
What has he been doing while on sabbatical? We know that, unlike Dan Carter, McCaw took a complete break from playing rugby and it sounds like he, believe it or not, actually had a holiday, travelling to places like New York, Las Vegas and Sri Lanka.
I find it hard to believe that a highly focused individual like McCaw lounges around while on holiday eating hot dogs on a New York street corner, trying his luck in Las Vegas, and meditating in Sri Lanka.
He probably did some of these things, but a six-month sabbatical would be too much of a good opportunity for sponsors and businesses associated with this man to miss.
It is no surprise that he was in Sri Lanka as part of his role as Fonterra's global ambassador, and that he maintained a regular exercise regime so as not to veer too far away from his playing weight.
A sabbatical has come to mean an extended absence in the career of an individual to fulfil some goal, and as the sensible person he appears to be, he has used his sabbatical wisely.
He has not only refreshed himself holistically, but he has appeased his sponsors, probably pursued business interests and strengthened global networks, while managing to keep his body ticking over so that it isn't too much of a shock coming out of hibernation.
While the big bear has been away, the little cubs have tried to stamp their mark on the No7 jersey (in red and black) and the captaincy.
In his first home test as skipper, Kieran Read did a fine job against the French, and the All Blacks managed to beat the relatively inexperienced touring team by 10 points.
But it wasn't a dominating victory and Read has still a way to go before he completely fills McCaw's paw print.
Read shares many McCaw's characteristics - leading through his actions, being determined and relentless, and having a high work ethic - but there is something comforting about McCaw that Read hasn't yet mastered.
Maybe it is Richie's unflappable personality that makes those he leads feel reassured and able to do anything.
His captaincy during the Rugby World Cup final in 2011 was a fine example of his composure. With a broken foot, absolutely exhausted, and the weight of a nation on his shoulders, he inspired his team to repel a French attack in the dying minutes.
Only time as a leader under stressful circumstances like that can create the legend that surrounds McCaw. One day, Read may also reach that status, just not yet.
Sam Cane was competent at openside but the French did seem to dominate at the breakdown, and a lack of game time with the Chiefs may suggest Cane is lacking the confidence to really own the No7 jersey for now.
Both cubs have done a fine job in the absence of the bear, but now that he is back, it will be interesting to see how McCaw goes playing club rugby and, hopefully, Crusaders rugby before the season comes to an end.
One thing is for sure - going on sabbatical and being out of the public eye while doing so has only made him even more of a legendary figure.