New Zealand’s incoming All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie names his first squad and appoints Ardie Savea as captain for the Nations Championship. Multiple outlets report that Savea is selected to lead the team, with Scott Barrett unavailable, meaning Savea stands in as skipper during the tournament. The announcements are framed as part of Rennie’s first major squad selection, with coverage across Canadian, New Zealand and international outlets focusing on the captaincy decision. One report also notes that the squad includes four new caps, suggesting Rennie is bringing additional players into Test rugby for the first time under his leadership. Sources agree that the captaincy appointment is tied directly to Barrett’s absence and that Savea’s role is to guide the side during the Nations Championship period. Overall, the reporting reflects a transition in coaching, with Rennie’s inaugural All Blacks squad combining established players with new selections, while Savea is given the leadership position.