“I saw him [Vaa’i] yesterday, he's in good spirits. That conversation will happen in December. We have depth at lock, as I mentioned before, the Sa brothers are coming through. Loose forward is a position we've been really luck with and have good cover there,” Gibbes said.

When the Chiefs named their 38-man roster for 2027 on Wednesday, they listed Vaa’i at lock alongside Fiti and Jayden Sa, as well as All Black Josh Lord, Aisake Vakasiuola, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi and rookie Jai Knight.

Their loose forwards, meanwhile, feature All Blacks Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson and Simon Parker, as well as Kaylum Boshier, Jahrome Brown and former Crusader Corey Kellow.

Rennie will also have a say regarding where the Chiefs play McKenzie, the All Blacks’ first-choice fullback.

Including the final against the Hurricanes this year, McKenzie played eight games at No 10 for the Chiefs, but has only started two tests at pivot for the All Blacks this year, and only because Richie Mo’unga and Ruben Love were hurt.

The Chiefs at times played McKenzie at fullback this year, allowing Josh Jacomb to play No 10.