“We've got to weigh up where he is at and whether we can afford to take him when he can’t play for the first two or three,” Rennie said.

Asked if he would select another No 10 if Mo’unga, who tore his calf during a training session in Auckland last week, is left at home, Rennie pointed out they would have three - Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett and Josh Jacomb - in the group.

“It may end up being someone who gives a wee bit more versatility and covers a few more spots,” he said.

“We had a meeting this morning, just working through best case scenario, trying to get clarity on the guys not here and who in the group might be available.”

Should Mo’unga be left at home in November, he’ll join Ruben Love (ankle), Ardie Savea (shoulder), Luke Jacobson (elbow) and Caleb Clarke (shoulder) in being wiped out for the remainder of the year.

Regardless, Rennie shouldn’t be sweating, not after McKenzie turned in an excellent performance in the No 10 jersey against the Wallabies last week, when Mo’unga was expected to start at pivot for the second time this season.

Rennie admitted they considered playing the uncapped Josh Jacomb in Sydney on Saturday. However, with uncertainty hanging over Mo’unga’s availability, and McKenzie having played all but one test at fullback this year, they opted to give the utility back another run at first five-eighth.