All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has confirmed No 8 Kieran Read will lead the side this year following the recent retirement of Richie McCaw.
Read’s appointment comes as the All Blacks prepare for life without their former skipper and five other senior players, five‑eighth Dan Carter, second‑five Ma’a Nonu, hooker Keven Mealamu, centre Conrad Smith and prop Tony Woodcock.
Hansen is confident Read’s previous experiences in recent seasons of leading the All Blacks in McCaw's absence will hold him in good stead and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Hansen also believes McCaw’s openside deputy, Waikato Chiefs flanker Sam Cane, will slot into the number seven role comfortably.
Source: nzherald
