All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga has paid tribute to departing captain Kieran Read, preparing for his final Test match against Wales tomorrow night.
After 11 years and 126 Tests, Read will bow out of the black jersey tomorrow night, as the All Blacks face Wales in the Rugby World Cup's bronze medal playoff.
A leader just as much off the pitch as he is on it, Read has played a key role in welcoming several players into the side since taking the reigns from Richie McCaw in 2016.
Mo'unga has been one of those players, becoming an All Blacks regular in 2019 as part of the dual-playmaker strategy.
Speaking to media in Tokyo, Mo'unga paid tribute to Read for his support in helping him settle into Test rugby.
"Skip's a very special person," Mo'unga said.
"He's unique in the way he leads. The respect that he has from the players and staff, what he does in and around the team, on and off the field, what he adds to this team is just huge.
"He's someone that I've looked up to since I've been in a professional rugby environment. To see the way that he operates as a leader is inspirational.
"He's one of the greats."
Tomorrow night's Test against Wales is Read's final time in the black jersey, leaving for Japanese side Toyota Verblitz from next season.
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