Cardiff: The All Blacks remain unfazed by the loss of skipper Kieran Read for the side’s season-ending Test against Wales on Saturday, according to playmaker Beauden Barrett.
Read, the epitome of the free-ranging modern-day No 8, was ruled out on Thursday with a back injury.
His place will be taken by Luke Whitelock, with his brother Samuel skippering the side from lock ahead of normal vice-captain Barrett.
“Kieran is like everyone else. If you are not available, it is an opportunity for someone else,” insisted New Zealand coach Steve Hansen.
“While it is disappointing to lose your leader and a guy who has played 100-odd Test matches, you can’t do anything about it so there is no point getting all emotional about it.”
