Wayne Smith is going to miss Wednesdays within the All Blacks environment.
Wayne Smith. Photo: Photosport
That this is the case says a lot about the man about to end a two-decade long association with one of the world's most successful sports teams.
After 35 matches as a player and three separate coaching stints reaping two World Cup crowns, Saturday night's third and final Bledisloe Cup test in Brisbane will be Smith's last with the All Blacks.
His affect on the team is guaranteed to be lasting.
No longer, though, will "The Professor" be around to develop those brilliant systems and tactical innovations or even just offer the sage advice that have become such a pivotal part of the All Blacks domination of world rugby.
Smith laughs when asked if he's going to leave a few items from his bag of tricks behind for head coach Steve Hansen and Co. And his answer reveals exactly why he has been such a valued part of the consistently lauded set-up.
"That's one of the things I love every week," he told RNZ this week.
"The challenge to come up with something that is going to enhance learning and maybe resonate with the players. We've found over the years that you can't do the same thing all the time, you need to look at different ways of teaching and learning.
"Wednesdays are a day off for the team and that's the favourite day of the week for me because I get the chance to work on that. Look at the following week, how to do things better and plan for the next day. That's what it's been about for me.
"We're effectively here to help people get better. There are different ways to do that and you're always trying to find the best way."
All Blacks coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It is not the only example of just how selfless Smith's time with the All Blacks has been.
With the Bledisloe locked up for a 15th-straight year, the third match is a dead-rubber in terms of silverware.
You can beat that sending Smith out on a winning note will be part of the motivation for every one of the players. The same is almost certainly also true for Hansen and the rest of the coaching and management staff.
Not for the man himself.
This week has been, and is, about ensuring he does his utmost to allow the team to achieve the desired outcome.
"It is no different for me really, I don't see my leaving as important at all," Smith said.
"There have been lot of pockets of farewell but it all embarrasses me a bit. I'm just trying to do my best this week like I always do.
"There have been some really nice moments. It's a close team and people care about you … I've got a leadership group I've worked with for a number of years now in my area of the game. Facing the fact I'm not going to work with them again has been one area I've been regretful of and a bit emotional about.
"But I'm just trying not to get too emotional about it all and treat it like another week."
Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen as All Black assistant coaches, 2008. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
That's not to say Smith isn't going to miss it a ton.
When being part of such an exclusive club is still as special today as it was when you first pulled on the black jersey 37 years ago, it is not a part of your life you walk away from easily.
The trophies and titles are memories he will cherish forever and, most importantly for him, the relationships his association with the team have created will continue to enrich his life.
Smith reckons there's not one player or staff member who couldn't come and stay at his place in Cambridge, and if anyone tries to pass through without coming to see him, it won't go down well.
But, in his seemingly infinite wisdom, Smith also knows the time is right to start the next chapter.
He does intend to do "enough rugby-based stuff to keep me involved and give me what I need from the game".
But there are grandchildren to spend time with, golf clubs and a fishing rod to dust off and a motorhome to be fired back into life.
Wife Trish is excited about the future. Smith is, too.
He knows there be plenty of time to reflect with immense satisfaction on his time with the All Blacks.
And he knows exactly how he wants that 20 years to be remembered
"It's always been the same for me. When I played, I knew pretty early on I wasn't going to be a great of the game.
"I was pretty good but I was really driven to be part of a great team and I soon came to realise you could do that, as long as you give everything you've got.
"I've found the same as a coach. You've got to give all you've got and be the best you can be to contribute to what is a great team.
"That's all I've ever tried to do really."
Safe to say it has been a successful mission.
