New Zealand Rugby Union Faces Captaincy Transition as Sam Cane Announces Retirement

The New Zealand All Blacks are gearing up for a significant leadership transition, as veteran flanker Sam Cane has announced his plans to retire from international rugby following the 2024 season. This decision has opened the door for a new generation of talent to potentially take the coveted captaincy role heading into the next Rugby World Cup.

One name that has emerged as the obvious frontrunner is Ardie Savea, according to Dalton Papali’i, the promising young back-row and Cane’s potential long-term successor in the openside jersey. Papali’i, who has already earned 32 caps for the national team, believes Savea’s experience and leadership qualities make him the ideal candidate to take over the prestigious role.

“I don’t really have a say but last year when Sam Cane was injured, Ardie stood up in that position and he might be the next captain,” the Blues flanker stated. “Who knows, especially with the new coaching staff and all that, I think it’s all pretty different. But since Sam Cane’s off, I think Ardie – it’s my liking for him to be there.”

With Cane’s impending departure, the path has been cleared for Papali’i to establish himself as the All Blacks’ next long-term openside. The 26-year-old is eager to carve out his own legacy, drawing inspiration from the leadership of Cane and the legendary Richie McCaw.

“They (McCaw and Cane) were both leaders,” Papali’i acknowledged. “They were both All Black captains, so those are pretty big boots to fill, to be honest. But the good thing that we talk about is you don’t own the jersey, you just fill it with your legacy. I’m not going to try and be like Richie McCaw or be like Sam Cane, I want to fill it with my own flavour and my own personality.”

As Papali’i focuses on continuing his impressive form with the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific, he is well aware of the rising talent challenging for a spot in the All Blacks’ backrow. Promising youngsters like Peter Lakai and Du’Plessis Kirifi have put their hands up for selection, and Papali’i believes this healthy competition can only benefit the national team.

“Young guys are coming through and showing their worth and it’s awesome. It gets the best out of everyone,” he said. “When Sam Cane was there, we battled it out, but it brought the best out of each other. Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis, all the guys that are coming through are really pushing boundaries there, so it makes everyone better.”

The transition of the All Blacks captaincy will undoubtedly be a closely watched storyline leading up to the 2024 rugby season and the next Rugby World Cup. With Ardie Savea emerging as the leading candidate and Dalton Papali’i poised to step up as the new openside flanker, the future of New Zealand’s rugby union team appears to be in good hands.

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