Kieran Read’s inspirational form in his early days as All Blacks skipper is helping dull the pain of parting with Richie McCaw.
No.8 Read has been among the best for the world champions New Zealand in each of the first two Test wins over Wales, stamping his mark on a new role with his deeds.
He topped the tackle count in Saturday’s 36-22 second Test win in Wellington, was influential at lineout time and skilled with ball in hand, including a trademark offload for Waisake Naholo’s try.
Read’s form arguably dropped a notch following a dream 2013 season which earned him world player of the year honours.
Flanker Jerome Kaino, part of the all-conquering loose forward trio with Read and McCaw at successive World Cup triumphs, believes the captaincy transition has been seamless.
“All that responsibility has brought out some great qualities,” Kaino said.
“If you look at Kieran’s form in the last couple of weeks, he steps up when we need him.
“His calming voice when the boys are under pressure, it’s gold for the lads.”
McCaw’s openside duties have been filled by the one-two punch of Sam Cane and reserve Ardie Savea.
Kaino believes both are doing a good job in the early stages of trying to put the McCaw era behind them – a golden period for New Zealand which stretched 15 seasons.
“We try not to think about the times that we did have with Richie,” Kaino said.
“I think we’re overcoming it. We’re just trying to get more comfortable with the game we’re trying to play and complement each other’s strengths.”
“There’s still areas we want to concentrate on as a trio and try to establish our identity without Richie.”
chracol
Guest
The machine rolls on. But they've only played Wales. Wales last for half a game and then they go down faster than Michael Caine's boyos in Zulu singing Men of Harlech. Gallant in defeat is the Welsh default option. I'll wait for the RC to see how they're really 'transitioning'. I think the midfield is far from sorted and an injury or two in key position might derail the bully boys of world rugby.
tui Lua Manu
Guest
I rather have Fekitoa than Seta plz Hansen don't pick him again
CUW
Guest
lol on what basis does " Dixon deserves a start " ? maybe he can be on the bench but Kaino has been massive in the 2 tests. every tackle he makes, he manages to dominate the opponent.
CUW
Guest
starting ardie will not be good for the way all blacks play. cane is a hard hitter but slow. ardie is not that physical but quick. what they are doing is tiring the opposition for 60 and then letting the fast man lose for the ending. also people shud not think in the same veiun as super rugger. cane carries and runs a lot in super but does little of that for black. ardie gets into a lot of tackles in super but is used more in a poaching role for blacks. one reason for the success of mib is that the coaching team have defined very clear roles for all the actors. that is why when someone like perenara fluff the lines they get angry (like that kick in last year test v oz).
Lara
Guest
Another natural born leader with playing ability to boot.
DanFan
Guest
Barrett will start and maybe Fekitoa will be rested given his head knock. Dixon or any other newbie might get on but off the bench. Oh the dilemma for the coaches. How do they cope!
TT
Guest
Spot on ben I think Dixon deserves a start this test and wouldn't mind seeing Sopoaga start at his home patch too but Barrett's performance in the w/end will no doubt have him starting and fair enough.
ben
Guest
Hansen and Henry always said that outside of McCaw the player they felt they could least afford to lose was Read. I'd love to see Ardie start but yes that 1_2 punch with Cane doing the spadework then when the game opens up...Ardie, seems to work well. I would like to see either Dixon or Squire start at 6 this week as we wont have Kaino around much longer. Looks like Barrett will start with Sopoaga off the bench. Maybe create some hooker depth also by giving Harris a start with Taylor off the bench.