The timing of the All Blacks' squad announcement on Monday is just one tricky issue Scott Robertson must navigate ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific final.
As if Crusaders coach Robertson didn't have a big enough workload ahead of the showdown against the Blues in Auckland next Saturday night, he must deal with several other dramas before revealing his team Thursday.
That starts with the naming of the All Blacks' 36-man squad, which could be a distraction for the right - and wrong - reasons.
While a large contingent of Crusaders players will be named in All Blacks coach Ian Foster's squad when it's unveiled in Auckland, a number of fringe players will also miss the cut.
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Depending on who gets picked, and who doesn't, there's scope for this to be a distraction.
The form of wing/centre Leicester Fainga'anuku and tighthead props Oli Jager and Fletcher Newell, all are uncapped, won't have gone unnoticed by the national selectors ahead of the three-test series against Ireland next month.
No 8 Cullen Grace, who earned one test cap in 2020 but wasn't required last year, could also be rewarded with selection following a series of hot performances.
Recently named the franchise's forward of the year, Grace emphasised his value on attack when he scored both tries and made 22 tackles during the Crusaders' 20-7 win over the Chiefs in the semifinal in Christchurch last Friday night.
"He is playing like an All Black,'' Robertson said. "His consistency, his carrying of the ball and his defensive efforts.
"It is pretty special. He is the best lineout forward in the competition. So there is a lot to like about him. I am just glad his body is right and he is consistent.''
The flipside of the All Blacks squad naming could result in disappointment. Backs George Bridge and Braydon Ennor, both members of the All Blacks squad last year, may miss the cut.
Once the All Blacks squad is named, the players from outside the Crusaders and Blues squads will attend a training camp in Mt Maunganui.
Robertson will also sweat on Pablo Matera being available, after he received two yellow cards - which became an automatic red - against the Chiefs.
While Matera isn't likely to be cited for the red, the first yellow was for a professional foul and the second a high tackle on Byrn Gatland, getting three yellow cards in as many games could be an issue.
Matera was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle on Reds midfielder Jordan Petaia in the final round-robin game in Christchurch on May 27.
Sanzaar will ask Matera to appear before a Sanzaar Foul Play Review Committee for a breach of Judicial Rule 6.2, because he has received three yellow cards in the tournament.
Matera will hope to escape with a caution. If he doesn't accept the sanction handed down by the committee, a judicial hearing is likely to be Tuesday night.
If Matera is suspended, Robertson will have to revamp his loose forward unit for the third time in as many weeks after losing Ethan Blackadder with a serious shoulder injury in the quarterfinal against the Reds.
Flanker Corey Kellow could join the run-on team, or Scott Barrett may shift from lock to blindside flanker.
Lock Sam Whitelock was a late withdrawal from the semi because of a thumb injury, and although Robertson hoped he could play the final he may have to plan to be without him.
Codie Taylor's calf complaint, he was replaced by Brodie McAlister at halftime at Orangetheory Stadium, could also result in the latter starting the biggest game of his life at Eden Park next weekend.
Having made around 240 tackles against the Chiefs, Robertson was grateful to have an extra day than the Blues to recover, and prepare, for the final.
“You don’t make 200-odd tackles, and not have a good casualty ward. We will rest and freshen-up for next week and go again.’’