Sam Whitelock doesn't think Kieran Read's cramping his style as he leads the All Blacks into tomorrow's second test against France.
The usual captain is in camp with the team despite not returning to play until next month, but Whitelock has no problem having him around – he's been there his entire career.
They're already good mates, so Whitelock's toes aren't being stepped on as he leads the team against 'Les Bleus'.
"Having someone like that to delegate stuff to, and he can have a little quiet word if he sees something you've overlooked," Whitelock said at Friday's captain's run.
"Some things we're pretty similar. We're both forwards, so we're both keen for the forwards to hang onto the ball. "
Coach Steve Hansen says the dynamic has worked in camp for years.
" We learned a long time ago when [McCaw] was having spells out of the game and [Read] was leading that the formula was making sure that these two were connected on how each one fits into the role," said Hansen.
The trademark of Whitelock's leadership is thorough preparation.
"That's a form of leadership in itself. He's quite good at getting around and having a lot of small conversations with individuals," noted loose forward Sam Cane.
But his pre-match coin-toss needs fine-tuning after going a little big in the first test, copping a ribbing from his teammates after round one.
"The boys have been into me this week. Hopefully I don't hit the roof this week".
Considering the All Blacks performance was also through the ceiling at Eden Park, he's likely to hand the team back to Read in great shape come the Rugby Championship.
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