All Blacks captain Todd Blackadder will be left out of New Zealand's squad of 30 to play in their next five internationals, according to a story published in a Sunday newspaper.
The Sunday Star-Timescanvassed leading commentators and players and came to the conclusion that Blackadder would be axed as captain in favour of Otago hooker Anton Oliver.
Former test prop and television analyst John Drake was emphatic Blackadder's best days as a test lock were over and it was time for him to go. "I think it probably is the end for Todd," Drake said. "He's probably not happy with his own form."
Blackadder's Super 12 team, the Canterbury Crusaders, have been replacing their skipper in the second half of games with youngster Chris Jack, who many say could make the leap to the international arena.
Others in the frame are the Chiefs' Royce Willis and Mark Cooksley, Wellington Hurricanes' Dion Waller, Auckland Blues' utility forward Troy Flavell and Norm Maxwell of the Crusaders.
Blackadder became the All Blacks' skipper in 2000 on the back of the Crusaders' domination of the Super 12. He led New Zealand 10 times in tests, winning seven and losing three.
Reuters