Pressure is mounting on the All Blacks after another report that Sam Cane could be set to lose the captaincy for the two-test trip to South Africa as fallout continues from the Ireland series loss.

Earlier this week Stuff.co reported that a potential scenario would be Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock taking over the leadership for the Rugby Championship openers against the Springboks in early August, with incoming Joe Schmidt slotting into a hands-on role on Ian Foster’s coaching team.

The naming of the Rugby Championships squads – generally announced immediately after the early season tests – has been delayed this week due to NZ Rugby’s review into the 2-1 Irish series setback.

The All Blacks play the world champion Springboks in Mbombela on August 7 and at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park a week later.

Source: Stuff.co