But all is not lost, the big man will meet up with the short man at about 5.15pm tomorrow, in Invercargill.
Highlanders lock Joe Wheeler admits he is looking forward to catching up with former team-mate, now Sunwolves halfback, Fumiaki Tanaka.
Tanaka, who played 46 games for the Highlanders from 2013 to 2016, is set to play for the Sunwolves when the sides meet for the first time, in Invercargill tomorrow.
Wheeler, at just under 2m, and Tanaka, at 1.66m, cut a few capers together when they were at the Highlanders and Tanaka was a popular player with supporters.
Wheeler, who will lock the scrum tomorrow night, said he would be seeking out Tanaka both on and off the field.
``I'm looking forward to catching up with him. He's been a massive part of our culture. He is just a fantastic bloke,'' he said.
``It will be strange. He spent four years down here with us. He did some really special things and we had a really good friendship between us.
``It will be strange playing against him but I'm really looking forward to it. He is one of the world's best halfbacks and maybe we can get him in the bottom of a ruck and give him a wee ruffle up.
``He was probably behind Ben and Aaron Smith in being the crowd favourite. He's been missed down here by the fans.''
The Sunwolves are yet to name their team but Tanaka is expected to be included in the side. He is a key man for the Sunwolves with his connection with New Zealand but the Japanese side is expected to struggle in some key areas.
Wheeler (29) though warned nothing can be taken for granted against the Sunwolves, irrespective of their playing record.
In two games so far against New Zealand sides, the Sunwolves have conceded 135 points.
``No games in Super rugby are easy wins. I think the Sunwolves, what they have shown over the last few weeks, is they are a team on the improve.
``They tested the Crusaders in a few areas and if we let them play to their strengths then they can be dangerous like any team in this competition.''
Wheeler should know a thing or two about the Sunwolves team. He has just spent a year playing in Japan for the Suntory side.
``They play a similar brand. They like to play unstructured and throw the ball around. It is different physicality to us - they are really good tacklers, they chop you round the ankles and bring a lot of line speed.
Wheeler said he was intending to head back to Japan at the end of this season and had enjoyed playing for Suntory, which won the title last season.
Whether he comes back and plays for the Highlanders again is up in the air, and it may come down to him being allowed to by New Zealand Rugby.
The Highlanders will head down to Invercargill today and train at Rugby Park Stadium this afternoon.
The Sunwolves have been training in Christchurch and fly to Invercargill today before a training run this afternoon.