All Blacks lose senior leaders for third Bledisloe Cup test against Wallabies

Stand-in All Blacks captain Sam Whitelock, influential halfback Aaron Smith and playmaker Richie Mo'unga are unlikely to travel with the All Blacks to Perth tomorrow for the third Bledisloe Cup test next week.

All Blacks Head Coach, Ian Foster confirmed the timing of imminent baby arrivals in the Whitelock, Smith and Mo'unga households may see the senior players remain in New Zealand.

That will leave the All Blacks needing a new captain for the third Bledisloe.

Ardie Savea may be considered the frontrunner to captain the All Blacks for the first time. Hooker Codie Taylor is another candidate while Beauden Barrett captained the All Blacks once previously against the Barbarians.

The All Blacks will face the Wallabies next Saturday.

[Source: NZ Herald]