Ardie Savea has been named captain under new head coach Dave Rennie, stepping up to lead New Zealand with just over a year until the Rugby World Cup. Photo: Backpagepix
New captain Ardie Savea said he would "embrace the challenge" of leading the All Blacks in the Dave Rennie-era, after taking on the job with a little over a year to go until the Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand coach Rennie immediately installed dynamic back-row forward Savea as captain on Monday when he named his first squad since taking over from the sacked Scott Robertson. Savea replaces the injured Scott Barrett as captain, beginning with next month's Nations Championship Tests against France, Italy and Ireland.
Savea has captained New Zealand before, but only when filling in because of injury or illness.
"I guess the biggest difference is the pressure and the responsibility," Savea said, of getting the job permanently.
