His body could do with a rest but Aaron Cruden is more worried about how to gel a constantly changing Chiefs' midfield for what will be a series of brutal matches against their New Zealand rivals.
The New Zealand Rugby Union's decision to deny the Chiefs' former All Black centre Casey Laulala has opened the organisation up to allegations of prejudice against the defending champions.
OPINION: Another All Black is off to Japan. But what is different about Tamati Ellison's return to Ricoh is not only the fact that he was firmly in Steve Hansen's plans but the player's own comments last year about the state of rugby in the Land of the Rising Sun.
A real test for the Chiefs tonight, this, and one they passed but only just. Questions remain about why they are struggling to put teams away this season.
Highlander Tamati Ellison is heading back to Japanese club Ricoh, a move which will add to Steve Hansen's midfield headaches this year.
As the talk of complacency among some All Blacks continues, Sam Cane has spoken of the unique opportunity he and New Zealand's other openside flankers have been presented by Richie McCaw's absence next month.
Richard Kahui's career hangs in the balance after yet another shoulder injury which has left him "incredibly disappointed and frustrated" says Chiefs' coach Dave Rennie.
A complaint by assistant referee Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri over sideline abuse from the Stormers could be costly for the South African franchise.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has named an inexperienced backline minus the guiding hand of Aaron Cruden to play the Force but hopes enthusiasm will make up for the absence of the All Black.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is furious at the backing of the television match official's actions in awarding two tries to the Rebels against his side at the weekend.
Richard Kahui will have yet another shoulder operation on Wednesday and has conceded his lucrative Japanese club contract is in doubt.
The dust was still settling on the dropping of All Black Israel Dagg when this match kicked off, but the Crusaders forwards and the performance of Dan Carter ensured there would be several different talking points by the time it finished.
Brad Thorn will run out onto Forsyth Barr Stadium for his 100th Super Rugby appearance tomorrow (Sat) night when the Highlanders search for their first win of the season against the Sharks.
OPINION: First, the bad news. There are whispers that Tim Nanai-Williams' chances of making the All Blacks this year aren't great due to concerns from the selectors about his defensive ability.
Last year Chris Noakes questioned his future with the Blues, the new franchise he had signed with while at the Highlanders, as it imploded around coach Pat Lam.
In a sharp reminder to his team that mediocre performances will not be tolerated, Crusaders' coach Todd Blackadder has said the decision to drop All Blacks' fullback Israel Dagg was not a difficult one.
From hospital bed to left wing, Rene Ranger has a key role to play for the Blues against a Stormers team which will be looking to suffocate the life out of Sir John Kirwan's backline tomorrow night.
After Brodie Retallick's stunning first Super Rugby season which resulted in an All Blacks call-up and a title with the Chiefs, second time around was always going to be bit of a challenge.
Moral victories don't win championships but the Blues suggested in their narrow loss to the Reds in Brisbane that they could finish higher on the table than the Crusaders this season.
The hunt for a victory continues for the Highlanders. For the Crusaders, a different quest - how to rediscover their attacking edge.
