KEY POINTS:
Two issues remain unresolved after the latest Crusaders' triumph.
But a decision is looming on Daniel Carter's will-he-or-won't-he saga, hingeing on whether the No 10 joins the All Black exodus and takes up an overseas contract. The first five-eighths promised he would have an answer in the next few weeks after speculation has linked him, for much of this season, to a short-term deal with the Toulon club in France.
The other topic will not be answered until much later this year, at the annual New Zealand Rugby Union awards.
After guiding the Crusaders to a fifth title and seven finals in nine seasons under his command, will Robbie Deans be selected as coach of the year? Will he even be eligible now that he has headed for his new desk in Australia or could he ask for the results of the Bledisloe Cup series to count?
There is still an overall coach-of-the-year trophy, one which may be decided by the fortunes of the trans-tasman rivalry which has been increased this season to a four-test contest.