Dalton Papalii, the All Blacks back-row candidate and long-term successor to Sam Cane in the openside jersey, has revealed who he thinks will replace him.
Kane removed himself from discussions about the captaincy after announcing his decision to retire from international football after the 2024 season.
The 32-year-old is still available for this year’s New Zealand squad, but head coach Scott Robertson is likely to look elsewhere as a result of Monday’s call-up.
obvious candidate
Robertson has several candidates, including Scott Barrett, but Papalii feels Ardie Savea is the obvious name to fill the prestigious position ahead of the next Rugby World Cup. ing.
“I don’t have much to say, but when Sam Cane got injured last year Ardie stepped up to the position and he could be the next captain,” the Blues back-row said.
“You never know, especially with the new coaching staff and everything else, but I think everything is going to be pretty different.
“But I think my preference is for Ardie to be there because Sam Cane is off.”
Kane’s decision to step away from the international scene has paved the way for Papalii to become the All Blacks’ next long-term openside.
The 26-year-old has already won 32 caps, but the talented Blues flanker has yet to truly establish himself as first choice in the back row of the XV.
He has the opportunity to do so as he seeks to follow in the footsteps of Richie McCaw and Kane.
Who will Scott Robertson choose to take over the All Blacks captaincy from the retired Sam Cane?
“They (McCaw and Kane) were both leaders,” Papalii said. “They were both captains of the All Blacks, so it’s quite a big job to be honest.
“But the good thing we’re talking about is you don’t own the jersey, you just fill it with your heritage.
“I’m not trying to be like Richie McCaw, I’m not trying to be like Sam Cain. I want to fill it with my own flavor and my own personality.
“It’s going to be interesting. We’re still concentrating on Bruce here so we’re not thinking too much about that at the moment, but with Sam Cane, being able to play with him and his It was a bloody privilege to see the character and the humanity. To be on a team with him and to have him as our captain.”
see off young people
Papali’i will need to prove himself to Robertson in Super Rugby Pacific, but that’s been going well so far with the Blues coming out on top.
The Auckland-based team recently defeated their closest rivals, the Hurricanes, who have the talented duo of Peter Lakai and Duplessis Kilifi in their back row.
The pair have both put their hands up to be selected for the All Blacks in 2024, and Papalii believes competition can only be good for the national team.
“It’s great to see young players developing and showing their worth. It brings out the best in everyone,” he said.
“When Sam Cane was there we fought and it brought out the best in each other.
“Peter Lakay, Duplessis, all the players that have come here are pushing the limits and making everyone better.”
read more: All Blacks captain Sam Cane retires from Test rugby in ‘best decision’ for family
