Scott Robertson makes key decision on All Blacks captaincy

Incoming New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has revealed when he will announce who he believes is the right man for the All Blacks captaincy position.

Openside flanker Sam Cane was former head coach Ian Foster’s preferred choice for the leadership role and took over the captaincy at the start of Foster’s reign in 2020.

Robertson‘s introduction as the All Blacks‘ new head coach has also coincided with the biggest change to the team’s coaching set-up since Sir Graham Henry replaced John Mitchell after the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

New captain could be named

And after making several changes to the All Blacks’ backroom staff, Robertson could also decide to name a new captain.

Foster’s reign as head coach saw his credentials and worth being questioned throughout and it was a similar story for Cane as the three-time world champions’ skipper.

Apart from being challenged over his leadership ability, Cane also constantly faced questions over whether he was worth his place in the All Blacks’ run-on side.

However, both Foster and Cane gave a good account of themselves during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France and played pivotal roles in the All Blacks’ run to the final, where they suffered a narrow defeat to their arch rivals the Springboks.

Robertson took charge of the All Blacks for the first time earlier this week with a 22-member squad assembling in Auckland. It brought together New Zealand-based players who were in action at last year’s World Cup.

Cane was not in attendance as he is currently on a sabbatical in Japan – along with Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett – and when he was asked who will skipper the All Blacks in 2024, Robertson remained tight-lipped, although he did say when the captaincy announcement would be made.

“I’ll name the captain as we come into the [England] series, when we name the squad,” he said. “I’ve got to get in front of a few people, have conversations, catch a few eyes, get on the odd knee and have some chats.

“It’s important we do that for all options.”

With Cane and Savea, who has also captained the All Blacks on several occasions, not in action at Super Rugby Pacific level this year, it gives other players the chance to impress Robertson with their leadership skills in that tournament.

However, the aforementioned duo would still be considered as the favourites for the leadership position.

More captaincy candidates

Amongst the other players who will be keen to grab that opportunity is Crusaders skipper Scott Barrett and fellow All Black Codie Taylor (hooker), who led the Christchurch-based outfit to a Super Rugby Aotearoa title in 2021.

Meanwhile, New Zealand openside flanker Dalton Papali’i has captained the Blues for the past two seasons, while another All Blacks back-row – Luke Jacobson – has stood in as captain for the Chiefs when other leaders were not available, although he would be considered as an outsider to lead his country in the international arena.

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