When Brodie Retallick was called in to meet with All Blacks coach Ian Foster earlier this week, he wasn't expecting to leave as the newest All Blacks captain.
Since making his return to test level following a sabbatical in Japan, Retallick has gone from strength to strength and led the way in last weekend's win over the Wallabies in Perth with his work in the middle of the park.
His recent performances drew plenty of compliments from Foster, however Retallick admitted when the two met earlier in the week, he went in expecting not to be named to play tomorrow night's test against Argentina.
"I got a message from Foz asking me to come down and see him before the team got named. I thought I was actually going to get dropped," Retallick said.
"That's generally what happens the night before if you're not going to be in the team and he lets you know. So, I walked in there and he goes 'Ardie isn't going to play; you're captain'."