The new All Blacks captain Kieran Read is looking forward to the added challenge as he prepares to lead the side in the three-test series against France.
The heir apparent to regular captain Richie McCaw was officially unveiled as the skipper on Sunday, with the openside flanker still on sabbatical.
Read has already been filling in for McCaw at the Crusaders and says he thrives when given the opportunity to lead and enjoys soaking up the pressure.
Read will captain a squad which includes six new caps when they take on France at Eden Park on Saturday.
