Rennie names four potential All Blacks debutants, including Hurricanes' record-breaking winger duo

Dave Rennie has named four potential All Blacks debutants in his first squad as New Zealand head coach, headlined by Hurricanes wingers Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby, who each scored 17 tries this season — a new Super Rugby single-season record. Blues loose forward Anton Segner and Hurricanes prop Xavier Numia complete the quartet of uncapped players.

Fineanganofo and Moorby’s try-scoring exploits were central to the Hurricanes’ record-setting Super Rugby championship campaign, and Rennie made clear their form left him with little choice. “They’ve scored 17 tries, which is a record and reflects the type of rugby that the Hurricanes played, but the ability of these boys to finish,” he said. “I love their anticipation on both sides of the park, massive work ethic, and then the ability to beat defenders and finish is key. Excellent seasons, and both phenomenal performances on the weekend.”

Some uncertainty lingers over Fineanganofo’s long-term future in New Zealand, with his NZR contract running only until the end of November. Rennie acknowledged the situation but was unequivocal about the selection. “What we know is he’s contracted here till November, so his form’s been irresistible, and we’re keen to name him,” he said. “He’ll work through that in time.”

While Fineanganofo’s call-up had been widely anticipated, Moorby’s inclusion came as more of a surprise to many observers — though Rennie suggested the evidence had been building all season.

Segner’s selection was arguably the most anticipated of the four. The Blues loose forward had been the subject of growing public momentum throughout the Super Rugby campaign, and Rennie confirmed the selectors shared that view. “Anton has been the best player to come out of the Blues, just high consistency,” he said. “He’s been great with ball in hand, he’s stolen a lot of pill, so been excellent there. He’s a good lineout forward, so he gives us a lot of versatility. We think he could generally be a high-quality seven, but he’s got a really balanced skill set.”

Rennie also offered a candid glimpse into the moment each player received the news. “I mean, they’re all different. One of them swore — F-word immediately. I won’t say who,” he said. “One guy got really emotional. One of them, I was having a bit of small talk around how well they played the day before, and he’s giving me really short answers because I think he just wanted me to say, mate, you’re an All Black.”