The All Black captaincy is vacant following Sam Cane’s decision to sign a three-year contract in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath. Cane, 32, is expected to be succeeded by either lock Scott Barrett or back rower Ardie Savea, both 30.

End of an era: Sam Cane has called time on his All Blacks career
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Barrett is the front-runner to lead New Zealand in the two home Tests against England in July because of the close working relationship, and success, he had alongside new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson as Crusaders captain.
Robertson will also be aware that Barrett, like Can...