On style alone, the Chiefs deserved the title, playing a terrific brand of rugby. In the process, they promoted or enhanced the All Black prospects of co-captain Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Sam Cane and Ben Tameifuna although others such as Hika Elliot did not make similar strides. Former Crusader Sonny Bill Williams finally found a cosy, low-key home in his controversial career, and his highly influential Chiefs role pushed him past veteran Ma'a Nonu in the test lineup.
The Chiefs even produced a cult hero in try-scoring prop Sona Taumalolo. And in lock Craig Clarke they found a leader who revelled in the trench warfare.
Perhaps co-captain Clarke and Samoan captain Mahonri Schwalger were the unheralded heroes because they set the tone in a tight five that was expected to struggle.
The Chiefs, who have lost Williams, will face tougher questions as reigning champions, rather than Super 15 darlings, in Rennie's second season.
But Rennie appears a tough old-school coach who can draw more out of his charges, and Smith signalled his commitment by turning down the chance to join England. The Chiefs could well be in the title-chasing business for the long haul.
Selections so far
Valerie Adams
Shot put Olympic gold medallist
Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie
Olympic gold medallists
The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic
ANZ netball champions.
New Zealand Breakers
NBL champions
Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan
Olympic gold medallists
The Chiefs
Super 15 champions
Hamish Bond and Eric Murray
Olympic gold medallists
Mahe Drysdale
Olympic gold medallist
Lisa Carrington
Olympic gold medallist
More to be named throughout the week