It seems like years ago now, but the 2018 Super Rugby competition is still a thing and starts up again on Friday night, with the Blues and Reds resuming their respective 'dead man walking' routines at Eden Park.
Since the previous round almost a month ago, rugby headlines have been dominated by international games and intrigue, while the franchises tried desperately to keep their players (and public) engaged with the process.
Spare a thought for the table-topping Crusaders, who draw a bye in the first week back. That's not great for fans, but at least it gives their 12 All Blacks and one Wallaby another seven days to recover from their international campaigns.
With just three weeks left in the regular season, playoff spots are on the line.
Here's a breakdown of what the New Zealand teams face over those final rounds:
Crusaders
Current position: first (12 wins/two losses)
The Cantabs have a massive nine-point lead over their nearest rivals - the Hurricanes - and can't be headed by any other conference leaders. They seem a shoe-in for home advantage throughout the playoffs.
During the international window, even without all their All Blacks, they were way too strong for French Barbarians and Western Force, and they have another week to rest their stars. Really, they couldn't be better placed.
Their toughest challenge will be a home game against the Highlanders next Friday - but wouldn't it just be like the Blues to burgle one in the final week?
Hurricanes
Current position: fourth (10 wins/three losses)
The Canes lost a 'friendly' tune-up against the Chiefs last weekend and will return to action against the Brumbies on Saturday night.
Mathematically, they could still top the table, but it would take a massive collapse from the champion Crusaders. Realistically, the Wellington-based side are just trying to cement a home quarter-final.
They're missing a handful of injured/ill/resting internationals this week and some of those may be long-term casualties.
Their toughest challenge may be a road trip to Hamilton for the Chiefs in two weeks.
Highlanders
Current position: fifth (nine wins/four losses)
With seven players away on national duty, the southerners were still able to field a useful line-up that easily accounted for the French Barbarians in Invercargill last week.
They really only need a win from their last three outings to cement a spot in the post-season, but face playoff-bound teams in each. They may also push for a home quarter-final, if the Hurricanes stumble.
Their toughest challenge will be a trip up State Highway One to face archrivals the Crusaders next week, but the Chiefs in Suva on Saturday may prove even more pivotal in terms of playoff positions.
Chiefs
Current position: sixth (eight wins/five losses)
They've been plagued with injuries all season and are now without their best player - lock Brodie Retallick. He may be back as soon as next week.
They need another win and some bonus points to seal a playoff spot, and are probably too far back to hope for a home quarter-final.
They have two NZ derbies over the next three weeks and their best chance clinch their post-season appearance is at home against the Brumbies next Saturday.
Blues
Current position: 14th
The only NZ franchise not to schedule a tune-up game during the international window.
They are sadly still in contention for the competition wooden spoon, although the Sunwolves would need a strong finish to pass on that distinction.
Friday's final home game against the Reds looms as important on all kinds of levels - they can put some space between themselves and the bottom of the table, they are yet to win at Eden Park this season and it's the final game at that venue for All Blacks legend Jerome Kaino.
A win would see the Blues leapfrog the Queensland side on the table.
Newshub.