The Japan-based Savea takes over from lock Scott Barrett, who is unavailable because of a back injury but likely would have relinquished the captaincy under the new, future-focused coaching regime.
Barrett led the All Blacks in 11 Tests after becoming captain in 2024 under former coach Scott Robertson, who was axed in January and later replaced by former Wallabies mentor Rennie.
"Congratulations to our new All Blacks captain, Ardie Savea, who we know will do an outstanding job of leading this team on and off-field," said Rennie. "Ardie is highly respected by his teammates and cares deeply about the black jersey."
The 34-man squad includes four new caps, including three from the Super Rugby-winning Hurricanes.
Prop and wingers Josh Moorby and Fehi Fineanganofo have all been chosen for the All Blacks for the first time, along with Germany-born backrower Anton Segner from the Blues.
Segner played for Germany at under-16 level before taking up a six-month scholarship at Nelson College in New Zealand where he captained the first XV before playing for the Crusaders at age group level.
The New Zealand squad, chosen by Rennie, assistant coach Neil Barnes and former All Blacks World Cup-winning coach Graeme Henry, includes 11 Hurricanes players.
Hurricanes flyhalf Ruben Love, voted Player of the Match in the Super Rugby final on Saturday, will vie for the No. 0 jersey with Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett.
Savea, who has been playing in Japan for the Kobe Steelers, has captained the All Blacks 13 times, most recently when Scott Barrett has been injured.
The presence of four frontrowers from the Hurricanes — Numia, hooker Asafo Aumua and props Pasilio Tosi and Tyrel Lomax — will play a part in shaping the All Blacks tight five. Veteran hooker Codie Taylor has been retained in the squad despite a mediocre Super Rugby season.
Beauden Barrett, also 35, has been included, though he has only an outside chance of playing at the 2027 World Cup.
Rennie said the squad reflected the way in which the All Blacks intend to play this season, with a focus on a fast-paced game and physical solidity.
He said the squad had the ability to rise to the demands of Test rugby "but also play with optimism and brutality."
Cam Roigard has been included at scrumhalf along with Cortez Ratima and Kyle Preston who was chosen ahead of Crusaders teammate Noah Hotham.
Anton Lienert-Brown returns from Japan to join Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor and Quinn Tupaea as midfield options.
Fineanganofo, who set a Super Rugby try-scoring record with 17 this season, has been named, though he is due to join the Newcastle club in England at the end of the year.
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