Bowden and Ahki were also unavailable for the Chiefs match, which finished in a 23-18 defeat notable for the lack of penetration along Kirwan's backline.
They didn't get close to scoring a try and clean breaks were few and far between, according to the match statistics. Of the backs, only Northcott, Saili, Jimmy Cowan, Charles Piutau, Lolagi Visinia and Tevita Li managed to get clear of the defence and no one made more than one break.
It all amounts to a good news story for the Highlanders, who will get their season started tomorrow after a bye in round one when they host the Crusaders, and New Zealand Rugby.
The southern men retain one of the most explosive midfielders in the competition for another two years and New Zealand Rugby keep another one away from the clutches of big-money European or Japanese clubs, a point All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was quick to make.
"It's great to see young, talented players like Malakai committing themselves to New Zealand rugby," Hansen said. "He made an impressive start to his international career last year and we look forward to watching him develop further this year."
The 22-year-old now presents such a powerful and consistent package as a midfielder that it wouldn't be overstating the case to say that the Crusaders, Hurricanes, Chiefs and Blues, especially the Blues, would dearly love him in their squads.
Tongan-born Fekitoa said: "I'm so grateful that I've been given the opportunity to re-sign with the Highlanders and New Zealand Rugby ... I know opportunities like this don't come around very often so I'm very grateful and ready for the challenge."
Players often make big improvements after moving from their home base - the Crusaders traditionally had a knack for it and rediscovered it last year when they helped shape Nemani Nadolo from virtual unknown into one of the most dangerous attacking weapons in the competition. The trick is to get the talent identification right along with a high-performance environment and requisite support.
The Blues, with work on their high-tech headquarters due to start next month, will hope to improve in the high-performance and support areas, but they can't afford to let another gem like Fekitoa slip through their grasp.
Will they stay or will they go now? Auckland's stars yet to commit
There are six All Blacks yet to re-sign beyond this year at the Blues, and two of them, front rowers Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock, will almost certainly call it quits.
Hooker Mealamu, 35, will probably retire from rugby to further his interests in other areas, including a gym he is setting up in Takanini, while 34-year-old Woodcock's plans are unknown.
The four others, captain Jerome Kaino, fellow loose forward Steven Luatua, lock Patrick Tuipulotu and outside back Charles Piutau, seem set to stay in New Zealand.
Kaino, 31, is working through a contract extension with New Zealand Rugby but has yet to sign it off. It appears a sabbatical could be a key factor in getting him across the line. Luatua, 23, said recently he had made no decision on his future but has all but ruled out a move overseas.
"I'm a bit too young for that," he said. "It's definitely in the back of everyone's minds but right here, right now, I'm with the Blues."
Piutau and Tuipulotu have big futures at the All Blacks and are also unlikely to move.
Like Mealamu, All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw is likely to retire after this year's World Cup - although he has yet to announce his plans despite much recent speculation. Ma'a Nonu is likely to follow Conrad Smith to France, which makes Malakai Fekitoa's two-year deal with New Zealand Rugby significant.
Unsigned All Blacks
Sam Cane, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Nathan Harris, Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Ma'a Nonu, Charles Piutau, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Julian Savea, Colin Slade, Tony Woodcock, Victor Vito.
