 When John Mitchell and Robbie Deans took over the coaching of the All Blacks from Wayne Smith and Tony Gilbert in October 2001 Randell was dropped from the All Blacks.He missed all of the 2002 Tri-Nations series, but after his form in the 2002 Super 12 season earned him a recall to captain the All Blacks on the end of the year tour of England, France and Wales.The tour resulted in one win against Wales (his last test as Captain), a draw with France, and a loss to England.