The appointment of Umaga, who takes over from Reuben Thorne, was announced in Welington when All Blacks coach Graham Henry named Probables and Possibles trial teams for a selection match next week.
New Zealand-born Umaga, who turns 31 on Thursday, has played 53 Tests for the All Blacks.
Henry said Umaga had all the attributes needed to lead his country. He said he spoke to Thorne Sunday and the Canterbury Crusaders captain accepted the news "graciously and professionally".
Meanwhile Super 12 Crusaders No 8 Mose Tuiali'i was a surprise name in the Probables line-up. Tuiali'i, who enjoyed an impressive debut season for the Crusaders in the Super 12 contest, has missed the last three weeks due to suspension after being found guilty of a head butt during the Crusaders win over the Western Stormers on May 1st.
Besides Tuiali'i, Deacon Manu, Andrew Hore and Keith Robinson are also included in the Probables starting XV, the trio being rewarded for outstanding campaigns in the just concluded Super 12 contest.
Players have been bracketed in two positions in the Probables starting line-up, with Jerry Collins and Reuben Thorne set to share the blindside flanking duties while Richard McCaw and Marty Holah have been bracketed on the other side of the scrum.
The Possibles starting XV features a number of players who were involved at last year's Rugby World Cup including Kees Meeuws, Keven Mealamu, Byron Kelleher, Aaron Mauger, Ben Atiga and Caleb Ralph.
The Probables will play the Possibles at Eden Park, Auckland, next Tuesday. The first All Blacks squad will be announced the following day.
The All Blacks coaching staff, will coach the Probables with Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper and Chiefs coach Ian Foster coaching the Possibles,
Probables: Deacon Manu, Andrew Hore, Greg Somerville, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Jerry Collins/Reuben Thorne, Richard McCaw/Marty Holah, Mose Tuiali'i, Justin Marshall, Carlos Spencer, Joe Rokocoko, Daniel Carter, Tana Umaga, Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina. Probables reserves: Derren Witcombe, Tony Woodcock, Brad Thorn, Angus MacDonald, Jimmy Cowan, Luke McAlister, Andrew Mehrtens, Hosea Gear.
Possibles: Kees Meeuws, Keven Mealamu, Carl Hayman, Jono Gibbes, Simon Maling, Craig Newby, Josh Blackie, Xavier Rush, Byron Kelleher, Aaron Mauger, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Sam Tuitupou, Ben Atiga, Caleb Ralph, Nick Evans. Possibles reserves: Corey Flynn Carl Hoeft, Ali Williams, Sione Lauaki, Isaac Boss, Tane Tu'ipulotu. Brent Ward.
AFP - 2004.
