A number of players are preparing to step out of the shadows of All Black legends when the new international rugby season begins against Wales.

Kieran Read becomes the permanent captain, flanker Sam Cane will start for the 15th time in what will be his 31st test appearance, while there's new midfield after years of the Smith-Nonu combination.

Cane said he does his best to avoid the comparisons to Richie McCaw, but now a matter of showing what he can do.

"It's something I've become a little bit accustomed to over the last few years I suppose, so it's just part and parcel of the situation and all I can worry about is myself and being my own player and doing that the best I can.'

Kick off is at 7:35 at Eden Park with earlier drizzle in Auckland seeming to have disappeared.