Steve Hansen appoints Kieran Read as New Zealand captain
Friday 19 February 2016 10:06, UK
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has confirmed that Kieran Read will take over the All Blacks captaincy following Richie McCaw's retirement.
Read, 30, has already captained his country on nine occasions and is seen by many as a natural successor to McCaw, who retired from rugby after leading New Zealand to the Rugby World Cup title in 2015.
The Crusaders No 8 is now one of the All Blacks most experienced players following the retirements of McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Keven Mealamu.
"Reado's had experience already as captain nine times and whilst it will be a new experience to be there fulltime, at least he's had a taste of it," Hansen told New Zealand station Radio Sport on Friday.
"We have known for quite some time that five of the guys are going to be leaving, with a 1000 test matches between them. We've known for a while and we've planned for that."
Hansen also suggested that Chiefs flanker Sam Cane would replace McCaw in the New Zealand number seven spot.
"Sam Cane's had a taste of test footy and he's raring to go," Hansen 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."
