He resisted that temptation, but he still revealed a healthy influence from the capital at a squad announcement that signalled the start of the post-Scott Robertson era.
There are 11 Hurricanes — including three of the four new caps — in the squad to play France, Italy and Ireland in home tests in the new Nations Championship.
Rennie understandably referred, several times, to the Hurricanes’ demolition of the Chiefs in Saturday’s Super Rugby final as a decent pointer to how and why some new and incumbent All Blacks had earned his and the selectors’ trust.
Among them are outside backs Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby.
Neither was surely on the All Blacks’ radar at the start of the season, but both demanded selection after scoring a record 17 tries for the rampant Canes.
“They’ve been on fire,” Rennie said at the Feilding Yellows Rugby Club.
“The ability of these boys to finish ... I love their anticipation, massive work ethic and their ability to beat defenders and finish.”
The wildcard selection was always going to be Fineanganafo, who clearly deserves his selection but has signed a contract to play in England from the end of the year, automatically losing his All Blacks eligibility from that point.
Whether he can be convinced to get out of his Newcastle Red Bulls deal might be a question for another day.
Rennie referenced an injured Highlanders star when asked about Fineanganofo’s situation.
“What we know is he’s available until November, so we picked him on that basis.
“Obviously a guy like Caleb Tangitau is unavailable ... so we’re not blocking the path of a good young kid coming through. He deserves it.”
Moorby completes a rapid rise to test rugby after taking the path less travelled.
The Te Awamutu product played for Southland in 2019-21, trained with the Highlanders as an injury replacement and played some club rugby for the Dunedin Sharks, represented Northland and Waikato, and had a stint with French club Montpellier before thriving with the Hurricanes.
Fellow debutant Xavier Numia has been seen as an All Black in waiting for a while and joins a settled propping squadron that includes ever-smiling Otago regular George Bower.
The final newcomer presents a story as compelling as that of injured Highlanders star Fabian Holland, who last year became the first Dutch-born All Black.
Frankfurt-born Anton Segner came from Germany to Nelson College on an exchange programme at 15, before progressing through the New Zealand secondary schools and under-20 teams.
Segner is coming off a breakthrough season with the Blues in which his relentless drive and old-school openside skills were a nice complement to his team-mates’ flair.
Ardie Savea, whom many felt should have been given the leadership two years ago, called for a united team — and a united nation behind it — to help the All Blacks tackle a gruelling 18 months ahead, including the Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“It’s a very special honour,” Savea said.
“I had a conversation with mum and dad yesterday and mum shed a few tears. I understand the responsibility to be in this role.”
Rennie’s other major calls in the backs include the selection of halfback Kyle Preston over Crusaders team-mate Noah Hotham, and the inclusion of centre Anton Lienert-Brown.
Like Savea, Lienert-Brown took a sabbatical from Super Rugby to play for Rennie’s Japanese league-winning Kobe Steelers.
There are 10 Chiefs players, five Crusaders — the lowest tally from that club in years — five Blues and a lone Highlander in the form of loosehead prop Ethan de Groot.
Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah is named as injury cover as Chiefs second-rower Tupou Vaa’i is dealing with concussion.
The selection of Segner is bad news for popular Hurricanes flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi.
There is also no room for loose forwards Christian Lio-Willie and Samipeni Finau, Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai, Crusaders captain David Havili or utility back Rieko Ioane, who has been on sabbatical in Ireland.
It is far from the end of the road, however, given injuries will arise and there will also be an expanded squad of 44 for the South African tour.
The immediate priority for Rennie is the home schedule with tests against France (Christchurch, July 4), Italy (Wellington, July 11) and Ireland (Auckland, July 18).
They represent the first opportunity for fans to judge if Rennie can turn a misfiring All Blacks team into a potent unit.
All Blacks
The squad
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei’aho.
Props: Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, Fletcher Newell, Ethan de Groot, Xavier Numia, George Bower.
Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Patrick Tuipolotu, Sam Darry.
Loose forwards: Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea, Peter Lakai, Anton Segner, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker.
Halfbacks: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston.
First fives: Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett.
Midfielders: Billy Proctor, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown.
Outside backs: Will Jordan, Caleb Clarke, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Fehi Fineanganofo.
