Kieran Read confirmed as next All Blacks captain

Wellington (AFP) - All Blacks coach Steve Hansen reconfirmed Friday that backrower Kieran Read will lead the side this year following the retirement of Richie McCaw.Read, 30, has previously led the All Blacks in McCaw's absence and was always named by Hansen as the likely full-time successor."Reado's had experience already as captain nine times and whilst it will be a new experience to be there full-time, at least he's had a taste of it," Hansen told New Zealand's Radio Sport.He said it was known for a long time that McCaw and other senior All Blacks, including Dan Carter and Ma'a Nonu, would be leaving after the World Cup last year and succession plans were put in place.When flanker Sam Cane captained the All Blacks against Namibia during the World Cup, Hansen said then it was part of his insurance policy for the future and Cane was next in line to captain the side after Read.Read has played 84 Tests, including the 2011 and 2015 World Cup triumphs, and was the 2013 world player of the year.Hansen said Cane, who has been McCaw's understudy as openside flanker since 2012, will take over the number seven jersey as part of a seamless transition."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," he said.Join the conversation about this story
Click here to read full news..