Scott Barrett keeps All Blacks captaincy amid Savea debate

New Zealand rugby coach Scott Robertson has confirmed that Scott Barrett will remain captain of the All Blacks for their upcoming three-Test series against France, despite widespread public and pundit calls to appoint Ardie Savea to the role.

Unveiling his first squad as All Blacks head coach, Scott Robertson described Barrett’s captaincy as a stabilizing force, especially with a new coaching team and several debutants entering the fold.

Announcing the decision in Rahotu—Barrett's home region—the symbolism underscored Robertson’s trust.

“Scott’s leadership is hugely valued in this group and well complemented by Ardie and Jordie,” Robertson said.

He praised the synergy within the leadership trio, calling them key figures in easing the transition for new players and ensuring the squad hits the ground running.

Despite the captaincy decision, Ardie Savea remains a pivotal figure.

Coming off a stellar season in Japan and earning accolades as Super Rugby’s Player of the Year, Savea’s form has ignited fan sentiment to see him lead the team. Robertson acknowledged his value:

“They will play a vital role in supporting the transition of the new players into the environment and imparting their experience,” he said of the trio, which also includes Jordie Barrett.

The 35-man squad features five uncapped players: hooker Brodie McAlister, prop Ollie Norris, lock Fabian Holland, flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi, and outside back Timoci Tavatavanawai.

With 10 players returning from overseas stints, including Beauden Barrett and Jordie Barrett, Robertson said the focus would be on quickly building chemistry and readiness.

The All Blacks face a tough French side in a three-match series starting July 6 in Dunedin, followed by Tests in Wellington and Hamilton.

Robertson believes Barrett’s composed leadership and the presence of experienced campaigners like Savea and Jordie Barrett will help knit the new-look team together swiftly.

“This is an exciting time for the team. Scott will set the tone, and with Ardie and Jordie, we have a strong core to lead us forward,” he concluded.

New Zealand squad:

Forwards: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Brodie McAlister (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders), Ollie Norris (Chiefs), Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes), Fletcher Newell (Crusaders), Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes), Scott Barrett (Crusaders, c), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Fabian Holland (Highlanders), Samipeni Finau (Chiefs), Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes), Wallace Sititi (Chiefs), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs)

Backs: Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes), Cortez Ratima (Chiefs), Noah Hotham (Crusaders), Beauden Barrett (Blues), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Billy Proctor (Hurricanes), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders), Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Ruben Love (Hurricanes)