“This is pretty special because I think the last time I was in as an injury replacement. I’ve been in the environment as a replacement and to be named officially for the first time is very special,” Lio-Willie said.

“[Rennie] called me early in the year about me missing out for South Africa. I appreciated that a lot because he was really honest about where I was at and why I missed out.

“I took that on and just front-footed with Otago and enjoyed my time and just put the best out of myself by leading those boys.”

Season-ending injuries to Ardie Savea, Luke Jacobson and Shannon Frizell meant the available loose forwards left on tour with Lio-Willie were Anton Segner, hybrid Leicester Fainga’anuku, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi.

As for Ta'eiloa, who was superb for Moana Pasifika despite their difficult final season, he went to South Africa ahead of Lio-Willie and played two tour matches against the Lions and the Sharks. He remains uncapped and has fallen down the pecking order.

Lio-Willie has two test starts to his name at No 8 against France last July and came off the bench on last year’s northern tour against Wales.