All Blacks stick with a rock hard back-row for Richie McCaw’s successor as captain

As captaincy roles go, there can’t be many more daunting than leading arguably the best sports team of all-time.

There is really no-one to compare to the years of success the All Blacks have enjoyed in rugby union, particularly in the last decade. Last year they retained the World Cup, with Richie McCaw bowing out as the country’s most successful ever captain, having lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in both 2011 and 2015. He’s now enjoying life as a retired sportsman and this morning the Kiwis have named his replacement as captain, and the man who Ireland will face later this year in our two-match series. Kieran Read has been confirmed as McCaw’s replacement by coach Steve Hansen, who was speaking on New Zealand radio earlier today. Hansen has praised the 30-year-old’s leadership, and is hopeful his previous experience of wearing the armband will help him settle in as the on-field leader.

“Reado's had experience already as captain nine times. Whilst it will be a new experience to be there full-time, at least he's had a taste of it."

Read is likely be a hugely popular captain and Irish fans will get a chance to see him in action twice later this year as Joe Schmidt's men play the world champions in Chicago and in Dublin. https://twitter.com/thepenGW/status/700600027455078400 https://twitter.com/thepaulwilliams/status/700439505715728388