Ben Smith will become the 68th All Blacks Test skipper after being named to lead the world champions out for their season‑opening Test against Samoa in Auckland tomorrow.
The fullback, a veteran of 60 Tests, will captain an experienced line‑up.
Flanker Sam Cane was considered a good chance to be named skipper in the absence of the injured Kieran Read, having done so twice before.
However, coach Steve Hansen went for a man who has impressed as Highlanders co‑captain for two seasons and was appointed to that role with the All Blacks last year.
Smith will be the first fullback to lead the All Blacks since Mils Muliaina did for three Tests in 2009.
Read is expected to be fit for the first Test against the British and Irish Lions on June 24.
Meanwhile the British and Irish Lions will take on the Maori All Blacks at 7.35pm Saturday.
Source: Radio NZ
