All Blacks: Veteran Sam Whitelock to take over captaincy in Sam Cane’s absence

The All Blacks have confirmed that Sam Whitelock will take over the captaincy from Sam Cane, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Autumn Nations Series with a fractured cheekbone.

It will not be the first time Whitelock has led the All Blacks this year, having already filled in as skipper for Tests in the Rugby Championship.

Forward coach Jason Ryan said Whitelock was an easy choice to take over from Cane and was a decision supported by the team’s leadership group.

Obvious choice

“Really experienced, really respected in the group,” Ryan said. “It was pretty straight forward, and really well supported by the vice captains. He has (played) 100-plus test matches, so he’s experienced a lot. He’s the right man for the job.”

All Blacks number eight Ardie Savea does not mind that he is not the captain as his leadership influence does not change.

“Regardless of if I was skip or vice, my role doesn’t change in terms of how I lead in this team,” Savea said. “I am just happy to be in the team, and if I do get a chance this week, just grateful to put on the jersey.

“I am stoked that we have Sammy taking control of the side and he will have myself and Baz (Barrett) right behind him, beside him.”

Cane revealed that he played the last 10 minutes against Japan with his cheekbone injury resulting from a clash with teammate David Havili.

“Caleb Clarke carried. I went in to clean from the outside, and David Havili came from the inside. I was the cleaner, the Japanese player moved late, and we hit heads,” Cane said.

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“I got up slowly, and without having done my cheekbone before, I knew I had probably done my cheekbone. I could feel it when I put my hand on my head. And I could feel the blood in my mouth.

“It was sort of sore but numb at the same time. Because it wasn’t too sore, and there were only 10 minutes to go, I wasn’t too concerned, but I knew it wasn’t too good.

“The game was in the balance at that point, and it didn’t restrict my ability to play and perform so I was happy to carry on.”

Wales challenge

Barrett is expecting a difficult challenge from Wales this weekend as his side will be looking to build on a nervous win against Japan last time out.

“They’re hungry, they’re a quality side,” said Barrett. “I don’t think they have too many injuries, and they will have their eyes on us, no doubt. We’re at a stage where we’re looking at ourselves, and ways to get better from the Japan game, but towards the back end of the week we’ll start to think a little more about what they’re going to bring. They’ll be staunch, they’re a fit side, they like to play a lot of rugby, and we’ll be up for the challenge.”

One of Barrett’s old teammates, Gareth Anscombe, may well be donning the red of Wales this weekend, having been selected in the squad. The pair were teammates in the New Zealand U20s and have a great history together.

“Gareth has done very well since he’s been over here and it’s great he’s fit and injury-free. I would expect Gareth to play. He’s a very good player, and we’re well aware of his strengths,” he said.

“I was lucky to play with Gareth in the [New Zealand] Under-20s when we won in Italy. He’s a great guy, and a confident fellow. So he’ll be out there backing himself on Saturday.”