Rugby: Ardie Savea to make captaincy debut in Bledisloe III

Ardie Savea will captain the All Blacks for the first time when the side takes on Australia in the third Bledisloe Cup test next weekend.

Savea, who will play his 53rd test for his country, takes the place of Sam Whitelock as stand-in captain after he was one of three senior players who stayed behind in New Zealand this week to witness the birth of a new child.

Also not making the trip to Perth was influential halfback Aaron Smith, who captained the side earlier in 2021, leaving Savea as the preferred option as far as the selectors were concerned.

Veteran lock Brodie Retallick and first-five Beauden Barrett will share vice captaincy duties.

🖤🖤🖤🖤 proud older brother!! Love you uso @ardiesavea https://t.co/k2vKHLFxBz

— Julian Savea (@juliansavea7) August 28, 2021

Introducing your leaders for the @Fortinet Rugby Championship! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/mQr2zHjTIz

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 28, 2021

The All Blacks already secured a series victory with their wins in the opening two games of the series, both of which were held in New Zealand.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Queensland would host the remainder of the Rugby Championship.

The competition commenced this month with the Bledisloe Cup, but its remaining games will also feature Argentina and South Africa.

In September, Brisbane and Townsville will play host to a double-header each as part of the Rugby Championship. Gold Coast rugby fans are set to be treated to two double-headers, one next month and one in October.