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Kieran Read will succeed Richie McCaw as All Black captain
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McCaw stepped down after leading the All Blacks to back-to-back World Cups last year
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The 30-year-old Read has already captained the All Blacks in nine tests in McCaw’s absence
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has announced that number eight Kieran Read will succeed Richie McCaw as captain this year.
McCaw, who retired after the team’s Rugby World Cup win at Twickenham, led the All Blacks to back-to-back Webb Ellis glory during his tenure.
And speaking to Radio Sport on Friday, Hansen has now revealed the expected news that McCaw’s former Crusaders team-mate will take over.
“Reado’s had experience already as captain nine times,” he said. “Whilst it will be a new experience to be there full-time, at least he’s had a taste of it.”
Read first led the All Blacks in 2012 when they defeated Italy 42-10, with Hansen also revealing that Sam Cane is likely to be New Zealand’s new openside flanker.
“Sam Cane’s had a taste of test footy and he’s raring to go,” he said. “So if we’re going in with all of those things brand new then it would be a lot different but I’ve got a lot of confidence in the people that are going to step up.”