KEY POINTS:
Rodney So'oialo is gunning for a seamless transition after inheriting the captaincy and chief ball scavenging duties from Richie McCaw for the bulk of rugby's Tri-Nations.
The 28-year-old cut a relaxed, smiling figure in his first training as skipper yesterday, although the task of leading New Zealand against great rivals South Africa in the tournament opener here on Saturday brings a steely resolve that will only harden as this week progresses.
"We're playing the best team in the world," So'oialo said. "They certainly showed that in their World Cup campaign and then coming into the games they've had in the last few weeks, they've been great and they're certainly the benchmark that we need to reach."
Samoan-born So'oialo will be the All Blacks' 61st test captain and he should keep the role for at least four tests, with McCaw's ankle injury expected to sideline him until the mid-August test against the Springboks in Cape Town.
Leading the team on to familiar turf at Westpac Stadium in his 45th test will be a career high for So'oialo but he admits that holding one of New Zealand sport's most exulted positions was never an aspiration as a child.
"I was thinking about soccer more then than captaining the All Blacks," he said. "[But] It's obviously a great privilege."
Since coach Graham Henry broke the news to him over the phone last week, So'oialo had spoken to McCaw, who offered some help on how to handle the post.
No doubt tactics aimed at the world champion Springboks were dropped into the conversation.
"Even though he's not physically with the team he's still a big part. He's still got a knowledge of the game and can certainly help out with the team," said So'oialo, who reckoned he took the same approach to captaincy as his predecessor. "We both get out there and obviously do our job firstly and if we have to talk to the ref then [we do]."
So'oialo was delighted to welcome friend and fellow Hurricanes loose forward Chris Masoe back into the mix.
Masoe is cover for McCaw for at least the next two tests, while Chiefs lock Kevin O'Neill also joined the squad as Ali Williams continues to recover from an ankle sprain.
After a month of club rugby and pre-season training with Wellington, 20-test veteran Masoe spoke of relief at his recall and the pain of missing selection for coach Graham Henry's initial squad.
"It was pretty tough, it takes a couple of days or a week to get over it," Masoe said. "I guess that's how rugby goes, it's the job you're in. I was really disappointed but I've got another opportunity now."
Masoe said there had been interest in him from overseas clubs since his rejection but he had not planned to decide his playing future until after the domestic Air NZ Cup.
It is unlikely Masoe will start against South Africa, even though he is the only All Blacks squad member with genuine experience on the openside flank.
Adam Thomson will probably join So'oialo in a left-right combination, with Jerome Kaino restored at No 8.
Prop Tony Woodcock may make his first test start of the year after recovering from a toe injury while Henry has a handful of tight choices to make in his backline.
He may opt for experience out wide, with Conrad Smith and Mils Muliaina possibly restored at centre and fullback after being ousted for the second test defeat of England by Richard Kahui and Leon MacDonald respectively.
However, Rudi Wulf may retain his wing berth ahead of Anthony Tuitavake.
* At the head
Of 77 overseas-born All Blacks, Rodney So'oialo is the seventh to captain the side. The others are:
Dave Gallaher: Ramelton, Ireland; 4 tests, 23 other games; 1905-06.
Jimmy Tilyard: Waratah, Tasmania, Australia; 9 games; 1920.
Cliff Porter: Edinburgh, Scotland; 7 tests, 30 games; 1924-30.
Laurie Haig: Prestonpans, Scotland; 6 games; 1953-54.
Des Connor: Ashgrove, Queensland, Australia; 2 games; 1962.
Jerry Collins: Apia, Samoa; 3 tests; 2006-07.
- NZPA
