Head coach Graham Henry has lauded caretaker All Black captain Mils Muliana, describing him as a "natural" leader.

Muliaina will lead the All Blacks in the 2009 Iveco Series, starting with Saturday night's clash against a confident French team at Carisbrook.

The veteran All Black fullback has taken the leadership reins from the injured Richie McCaw, ruled out of the Iveco Series with a knee injury.

However, he is expected to be fit in time for the kick-off of the Tri Nations in June.

Henry said Muliaina was an obvious choice, proving his leadership ability with the Chiefs in the Rebel Sport Super 14 arena.

He said the 68-test veteran had outstanding leadership skills and was well-respected among the rugby community due to his playing ability and people skills.

"He is a bit of a natural I think," Henry said.

"He thinks a lot about it, but I think he does it quite naturally.

"He has had the experience of captaining the Chiefs, that has been great.

"He relates well to the players, he relates well to you people (the media), therefore he relates well to the fan.

"The reaction to his appointment was hugely positive. And I think that is just a reflection on the person."

But while proud of his choice of captain, Henry says Muliaina can't be left to handle the burden of captaincy by himself.

McCaw's 2008 deputy Rodney So'oialo has also been sidelined for the Iveco Series through injury.

Henry said the remaining leaders throughout the side had to stand up in the upcoming tests against France and Italy.

"Captains don't captain a side by themselves," he said.

"When Sean Fitzpatrick was captain of the All Blacks, Foxie ran the team. And Sean would understand that totally.

"Foxie was the navigator and Sean was the captain.

"So we have just got to make sure that the navigators do their job; so Steve Donald does his, Jimmy Cowan does his and Liam Messam does his.

"He won't be able to do it by himself. And he is working well with those guys."

Henry said the All Blacks had been forced into a "transition period" following a raft of injuries throughout the squad.

But he remained confident there was enough leadership remaining in the team for the Iveco Series to be a success for the All Blacks.

"There is a major difference and you would expect a major difference," he said.

"But the big thing is if these guys can play well with this combination, going forward we are going to be a much stronger side.

"A lot of players experience that leadership.

"There are a lot of positives, a wee bit of pressure right now and guys who are a wee bit on edge because they haven't experienced that before.

"Some new guys are coming in who haven't experienced international rugby.

"There is going to be a wee bit of nervousness going forward right now.

"I think in the long-term, it must be good for us. I think it is a real positive thing."