Matt Todd

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named Matt Todd as the captain for the opening Rounds of the Super Rugby competition.

Todd has been preferred over more illustrious teammates, in the absence of All Blacks Kieran Read and Whitelock, for the opening 3 fixtures – against the Rebels, Highlanders and Chiefs.

Regular skipper Read is taking a mini-sabbatical and while Richie McCaw and Dan Carter are also captaincy candidates, they looks set to miss the opening week as well.

In the national pecking order Todd sits 3rd behind McCaw and Sam Cane, but this endorsement recognises the esteem in which he is held, particularly by Crusaders’ teammates and management.

“Matt Todd is going to captain the team in Kieran Read’s absence,” Blackadder said.

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“He was our player of the year last year. He’s been involved all the way though our pre-season which we thought was pretty important for our group. He is a guy that is respected by everyone in our environment which includes our All Blacks.

“You’ve got to be able to command a spot and be able to walk the talk. We see it as a good opportunity for him to lead the team. He has fantastic leadership skills. If anyone has earned the right, it’s him.”

Todd’s appointment means McCaw – understood to be available for Round 1 in some capacity – will likely feature at blindside and No 8 in the early matches. Jordan Taufua, who surged into the starting role at blindside last season, Luke Whitelock and Tom Sanders will also compete for looseforward roles.

“Depending on what we do with Matt, we could play him on the other side, but it’s more likely he will be No 7 (Openside),” Blackadder said, suggesting McCaw will switch between blindside and No 8 until Read returns.

Blackadder also hopes handing Todd the captaincy will create other positive spin-offs by allowing Carter and McCaw to return unburdened.

The dual All Blacks centurions will remain key contributors, both on and off the field, and can concentrate on their performances.

“DC has been in early which is great and Richie will be transitioning in. I just want those guys to come into the environment and perform.”