Wayne Pivac's selection of Justin Tipuric as his new captain, and the suggestion he is viewed as a nailed-on starter, has implications for Wales' back-row.
The decision to give the returning Tipuric, who has played three games since coming back from a 15-month absence due to a shattered scapula, the captain's armband came a little out of left field. Following an injury to Dan Biggar, many had earmarked the likes of Adam Beard as a front-runner to be the next cab off the rank.
But Pivac suggested the regard in which the flanker is held in the camp, his vast experience and likelihood to be a starter against New Zealand led to his selection.
