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Steve Hansen: All Blacks 'don't want to overload' Beauden Barrett with captaincy

November 24, 2017

Sam Whitelock will lead the side in place of Kieran Read, instead of vice-captain Barrett.

The All Blacks are trying not to overload first-five Beauden Barrett with responsibility for this weekend's clash with Wales in Cardiff, coach Steve Hansen said.

With regular captain Kieran Read out with a back injury for Sunday's Test, Sam Whitelock takes over the reigns ahead of vice-captain Beauden Barrett.

However, speaking at today's media conference, coach Steve Hansen explained the decision to overlook Barrett for the job.

"Whilst he enjoyed being the skipper (against the Barbarians), I think he'd prefer just to concentrate on the 10 role," Hansen said.

"The second reason, is that he's the driver, so you don't want to overload him too much in a big Test match."

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