The race is on to find a stand-in captain for the All Blacks on New Zealand's year-end tour.

On a 17-match unbeaten run the Kiwis will face Scotland, Italy, Wales and England on consecutive weekends.

According to Newstalk ZB Daniel Carter and Keiran Read are the favourites to replace McCaw as captain during the end of year tour.

McCaw is likely to miss or play off the bench during one of the first two Tests on tour, in line with coach Steve Hansen's signalled selection policy.

Hansen appears to be leaning towards one of McCaw's long time lieutenants.

He said Carter has already been vice-captain and was meant to captain the side against Canada at the World Cup, while Read has captained the Crusaders in McCaw's absence.

Other options include Keven Mealamu and Andrew Hore, who have each captained the All Blacks, and Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith.

Meanwhile McCaw is demanding standards be maintained despite the signalled changes for the first two week of the end of year tour.

Steve Hansen has stated that all 32 members of the squad will see game time in the first two Tests against Scotland and Italy.

McCaw says players can't afford to get ahead of themselves.

He says while there will be changes, they need to keep their focus on the immediate challenge every week.