Starts against USA, England and a spell off the bench against Scotland were curtain-raisers to his cross-globe fatherhood watch and selection against Wales.
Ryan Crotty got two starts, a sub's role and another tomorrow, while Conrad Smith had one start and then squeezed in a return flight home before his second start against Wales.
Meanwhile, Fekitoa got little action other than 55 minutes against Scotland and has spent the rest of his tour on the training field and in gyms.
He burst into notice with dazzling displays during the Super 15 which earned him a promotion to the national colours, a first start against England and another against the Wallabies when Conrad Smith was hurt.
When Ma'a Nonu broke his arm, Fekitoa muscled into the second five-eighths role, where he brought the physical impact and gain-line impact without looking as settled as he had at centre.
His season has tailed away as others have been offered his stage. At least, as every coach seems to implore those who will listen, Fekitoa will be fresh for the Highlanders campaign.
No question of that. Most of the All Blacks have been kept sharp for their season conclusion tomorrow in Cardiff.
On this tour, Colin Slade has played 80 minutes, Aaron Smith 66, Conrad Smith 47 and Beauden Barrett 21 minutes.
In the pack, Wyatt Crockett has ticked over 88 minutes play, Sam Whitelock 80, Jerome Kaino 60, Owen Franks 56 and Brodie Retallick 49. There can't be any excuses about workload if 61 years of history is turned on its head at the Millennium Stadium.
Plans always alter with injury or twists like Conrad Smith's travel, and 37 players have worn the All Black jersey on this trip.
The coaches have been able to assess an expanded squad in test matches, on the training field and in the team environment with men like Nonu, Tony Woodcock, Steven Luatua, Matt Todd and Tawera Kerr-Barlow waiting back home.
Fekitoa has been waiting on tour and must feel frustrated, but it's still better than watching and wondering from the other side of the globe.
