All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has confirmed that Kieran Read will succeed Richie McCaw as captain.

As expected, Read will take over the leadership from McCaw, who led the All Blacks to a second successive world title last year before hanging up his boots.

'Reado's had experience already as captain nine times,' Hansen told Radio Sport on Friday. 'While it will be a new experience to be there full-time, at least he's had a taste of it.'

Hansen added that Sam Cane was the likely candidate to fill McCaw's place at openside flanker.

'Sam's had a taste of Test footy and he's raring to go. So if we're going in with all of those things brand new then it would be a lot different, but I've got a lot of confidence in the people that are going to step up.'

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