Scott Robertson hints he will be new All Blacks captain following Sam Cane’s retirement
Scott Robertson remained coy on the next All Blacks captain but admitted progress was being made on Sam Cane’s successor. The head coach is searching for his next captain following the announcement that the incumbent will retire from Test rugby after the 2024 season.
There was always the possibility that Robertson, who took over as New Zealand head coach from Ian Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, would change his captain, but this has sealed that decision.
Ardie Savea and Scott Barrett are thought to be front-runners for the role and this will be confirmed when Super Rugby Pacific names its squad after the conclusion of the campaign in late June.
“There have been talks that have taken place,” he told reporters. “And arguments with the players. Yes, it happened. That’s all I can say.
“It will be announced when we name the team. We need someone the players will follow. They have to be leaders on the field. They have to start. It has to be world-class in their position and someone the players respect.”
Although Cane will not lead the team this year, the 32-year-old is eligible to join the All Blacks in 2024.
He returns from a brief sabbatical ahead of mid-year testing and will be available until the end of the campaign before returning to Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath on a three-year deal.
But according to Robertson, there is no guarantee the big open side will be selected as they are just five points shy of joining the 100 club.
“It’s form, like everything else. He’s coming back from injury, he’s got to perform to be in the All Blacks. He knows that,” he said.
“He’s already been to leadership meetings. And he still has that personality and leadership qualities.
“He knows what to say at the right time. That’s why he was valuable. Look, as we know, if you’ve played 95 Test matches, you’ve been around, haven’t you? You know what it takes. If he’s available this year, he’s performing.”
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