Can the CV be released from the wheel hub without removing the whole shaft at the gearbox flange end?

I want to fit a stretch boot on the outer CV and don't fancy removing the whole shaft, I guess its not like the older type wishbone cars where you can pop the bottom ball joint to give some space to slip the CV splines out of the hub but leave the whole shaft in place?

A6 C5 Quattro 2.5TDI