All Blacks XV snubs still rankle

themselves now.’’

Levi Aumua, Bryce Heem, Alex Nankivell and Bailyn Sullivan were the four midfielders picked for the All Blacks XV squad. Hooker Aumua, one of Wellington’s best performers in the final, will join the All Blacks in Japan ahead of this weekend’s test in Tokyo after Dane Coles strained a calf muscle.

When Wellington last won the NPC crown, they had multiple All Blacks stars, including the late Jonah Lomu, in their lineup.

While the days of current internationals representing teams in the provincial showcase final appear numbered, Crowley was grateful to have halfback Perenara and Aumua for the season.

‘‘So we had to lift a cog when two All Blacks turn up for us,’’ Crowley stated.

‘‘It is very satisfying. You can’t take it away from the team, now. You have reunions about this stuff. We were talking about the 2000 team during the week – that was 22 years ago.

‘‘So, hell’s bells. These guys have a lot to look forward to.’’

Whether Crowley will return for his third season with Wellington remains unclear, saying that’s a conversation for down the track.

Former All Blacks lock Luke Romano, who took the field as a replacement in the second half for Canterbury, has also yet to confirm if he will retire after 14 years with the team; while his days with the province appear to be over, he has not publicly dropped the curtain on his career.

This also wasn’t the farewell Romano and his team-mates wanted to give 2019 World Cup wing George Bridge, who will now move to France.