Sonny Bill Williams says the All Blacks need a new captain to move the team forward – and has named his ideal replacement.

The former All Blacks centre weighed in on the fallout from head coach Scott Robertson’s dismissal, urging NZ Rugby to look beyond the coaching box as the national side attempts to reset ahead of a demanding international season.

In an Instagram post, the two-time World Cup winner publicly called for Ardie Savea to be handed the captaincy.

“I love Scott Barrett. He’s one of the best players in the world, but I think we should give the captaincy to Ardie,” Williams said in an Instagram video. “He’s our man going forward because of the mana he brings. He’s got the achievements to prove it — just look at what he did with Moana last year.”

ALSO: Tony breaks silence on All Blacks speculation

Savea captained Moana Pasifika during the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, where his influence and leadership were widely praised despite the team’s mixed results.

Williams, who played 58 Tests for the All Blacks between 2010 and 2019, also stressed the importance of culture as New Zealand prepares to appoint a new coaching group.

“We need more flavour,” he said. “These are just my honest thoughts and opinions, but we need a coaching group that knows how to tie everyone together before they start fixing things. These players know how to play. We have the team.”

The All Blacks face a challenging 2026 campaign, starting with Tests against France and Ireland before travelling to South Africa for a four-match series against the world champion Springboks.

Williams also revisited comments he made after New Zealand’s semi-final exit at the 2019 World Cup, when he called for greater diversity within NZ Rugby’s coaching and administration structures.

“I know it bothered a few people, but that’s my honest opinion,” he said. “What got the best out of me was believing in the system, believing in the coaches, and wanting to run through a brick wall for them.”

Photo: Paul Harding/Getty Images