Wellington - Steven Luatua will have a chance to display his leadership skills as he presses his claim for a spot in New Zealand's squad for the Rugby World Cup after being named skipper of the Blues for the remainder of the season.
The 24-year-old blindside flanker, who has played 14 tests for New Zealand, was elevated to the captaincy after a broken finger ended the Super Rugby season for his fellow All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino.
Luatua was handed the job by coach John Kirwan despite the presence in the squad of experienced test hooker Keven Mealamu and the fact that he had lost the number six shirt to teenager Akira Ioane.