As the new All Blacks coach takes a break from his Japanese team duties back in New Zealand, he's keeping the rugby world guessing about who will wear the captain's armband. Dave Rennie insists he hasn't made a final call, but his selection process is anything but ordinary—and it involves an unlikely source of inspiration from across the sporting world.

In a fascinating twist, Rennie revealed that NBA star Steven Adams—the towering Kiwi center for the Houston Rockets—played a role in the captaincy discussions. Adams recently participated in a two-hour meeting alongside All Blacks legends Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Keven Mealamu. The session, which focused on leadership and mental preparation, included questions prepared by the team's mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka. Adams came ready with thoughtful answers, offering a unique perspective from a different elite sports arena.

For fans eager to see who will lead the haka and command the field, the wait continues. But one thing is clear: Rennie is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to build a champion squad. Whether you're gearing up for the next test match or just love the game, stay tuned—the captaincy announcement promises to be a defining moment for the All Blacks' new era.