The defending champion Chiefs will take added motivation from farewelling five notable players when they meet the Brumbies in Saturday's Super Rugby final.
The five are all headed offshore following the showpiece at Waikato Stadium.
Co-captain Craig Clarke (to Ireland), prop Toby Smith (Melbourne Rebels) and wing Lelia Masaga (Japan) all made key contributions in the 20-19 semi-final win over the Crusaders on Saturday and are set to face the Brumbies.
Injured centre Richard Kahui (Japan) and fellow former All Black, halfback Brendon Leonard (Italy), have already played their last games after lengthy stints with the Chiefs.
Coach Dave Rennie wanted the players' contribution to be acknowledged but won't let it become a distraction.
"There will be some sentimental stuff in and around the boys leaving. But the focus will be on performance, it has to be," Rennie said.
Clarke topped the match tackle count against the Crusaders with 16, followed closely by Smith's 13 as the hosts' tight five went toe-to-toe with an All Blacks-laden Crusaders pack.
Masaga's key contribution was their opening try soon after halftime, handing the Chiefs the lead for the first time when he blasted through the tackle of Crusaders flanker George Whitelock.
The player known as "Flash" was determined to make the most of some space after listening to a rev-up from the Chiefs' coaches at halftime.
Their message was to simply run harder with ball.
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