By 1news.co.nz and is republished with permission
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has revealed his picks for the next All Blacks captain after Sam Cane revealed he would be stepping down from the role and quitting international rugby entirely at the end of 2024.
Cane, who has played 95 Tests, with 27 as captain, revealed yesterday he had signed a long-term contract with Japanese club Suntory Goliath.
He will return to NZ at the end of the current Japanese season and would be eligible for selection for the national side this season – but regardless – had stepped aside as captain.
When speaking to Breakfast this morning, the Prime Minister was asked by presenter Daniel Faitaua who he thinks should step into the vacant captaincy slot.
Initially, Luxon said: “There are lots of great leaders in the All Blacks,” before being swiftly cut off by Faitaua.
“Oh, don’t go diplomatic on me, Prime Minister,” Faitaua said.
Then, Luxon gave his honest take and said: “I love Ardie Savea.”
“I think he’s a fantastic leader, and I love the way he plays. I’m a big fan of his.”
But as a “Crusaders person”, he also had to “acknowledge Scott Barrett”, who is “pretty good too”.
Breakfast Presenter Chris Chang then jokingly suggested the roles be split, with one skipper in the first half of the season and the other in the second half of the season.
This was a reference to the Government’s deputy prime minister arrangement, which will see David Seymour take up the role halfway into the term, with Winston Peters in the role currently.
He said coach Scott Robertson had a plethora of choices to fill the now vacant role.
Also joining Breakfast this morning was veteran rugby commentator Grant Nisbett, who largely agreed with the Prime Minister.
“I think there’s probably a couple of candidates,” he said.
To him, the “favourite” was Scott Barrett.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s advice for the Crusaders
He also said: “Ardie Savea of course, coming back, has had vast experience s a captain, both with the Hurricanes and the All Blacks.”
“And the other one probably is Codie Taylor, who has got leadership qualities as well.”