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Cane's return to All Blacks starter against Springboks completes improbable comeback story
Stephen Foote • August 30th, 2024 10:58 am
The most notable talking point to emerge from Scott Robertson's selection for the All Blacks' opening test against South Africa this weekend is the return of Sam Cane in the No. 7 jersey.
Cane hasn't been part of the run-on side since his infamous red-card outing during last year's World Cup final. His subsequent decision to walk away from Test rugby at the end of 2024 and ongoing recovery from back surgery in March led many to believe he may have played his final game in the black jersey.
Instead, the former NZ captain has been a beneficiary of the unsettled nature of the All Blacks' loose forward trio, coming off the bench for his 96th Test cap in the win over Argentina at Eden Park a fortnight ago to put himself firmly back in the mix.
Now Cane has been promoted to the starting XV for the mouthwatering matchup with the world champions at Johannesburg's iconic Ellis Park on Sunday (NZ time), completing one of the more improbable comebacks in recent NZ rugby history.
You could deduce the selection was simply based on regular Dalton Papali'i's unavailability due to a thumb injury, but Robertson's rationale suggests, either way, Cane would've earned the nod.
"He's the test veteran we need on the high veldt," Robertson explained.
"All that experience and calmness. But also, really good, tough shoulders. We are excited for him.
"Dalton has got a bit of a thumb injury. It ruled him out. But there was not much in it. Dalton played really, really well but we just thought this was the best for this Test.
"And combinations for this Test. Ethan (Blackadder) is in great form, and you have got Ardie Savea, so it is a good balanced loose forward trio.''
The 32-year-old Cane now seems on course to close out his international career by becoming the 10th All Black centurion - an achievement many would've written off considering his circumstances earlier in the year.
Two more appearances against Australia in the Bledisloe Cup would leave Cane on 99, relying on inclusion to the typically larger All Blacks squad for the annual year-end European tour to crack 100, which includes a stopover in Japan.
The All Blacks will need every inch of Cane's horsepower against the South Africans, with his exceptional work rate in both the tackling and ruck department set to prove pivotal in a contest that promises to be decided by the most minute of margins.
As critical to their cause will be Scott Barrett, who'll reclaim the captaincy and his place in the second row after missing the two Tests against Argentina.
With the locking stocks lacking in experience given the absence of veteran Patrick Tuipulotu due to a calf injury, Barrett's injection will be invaluable in the high-altitude cauldron against the Boks' tall timber, who are one of the foundations of their success.
Barrett's comeback pushes breakthrough lock Sam Darry to the bench, while the only other change involves Samipeni Finau join the reserves, an enforcer whose trademark physicality seems tailormade for the occasion.
"To play South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the greatest tests you can prepare for," said Robertson. "We will embrace the occasion.
"We have a lot of respect for the Springboks and we are looking forward to what will be an electric atmosphere at an iconic venue."
