Cape Town - All Black coach Steve Hansen has indicated he will blood a new captain on their four-match end-of-year tour to Europe.
Regular skipper Richie McCaw will lead the team in the tour opener against Scotland next weekend but will be rested for their following fixture against Italy.
"Kieran Read or Dan Carter are probably the two leading candidates, depending on what the final selections are," Hansen told the Rugby365 website.
"It will give someone the chance to take over the leadership."
McCaw hasn't missed a Test since he was rested for the final World Cup pool match against Canada on October 2 last year. He is expected to be back for their last two games against Wales and England.
McCaw will also sit out next year's Super Rugby competition as he tries to prolong his international career.
Regular skipper Richie McCaw will lead the team in the tour opener against Scotland next weekend but will be rested for their following fixture against Italy.
"Kieran Read or Dan Carter are probably the two leading candidates, depending on what the final selections are," Hansen told the Rugby365 website.
"It will give someone the chance to take over the leadership."
McCaw hasn't missed a Test since he was rested for the final World Cup pool match against Canada on October 2 last year. He is expected to be back for their last two games against Wales and England.
McCaw will also sit out next year's Super Rugby competition as he tries to prolong his international career.