Sam Cane, a former captain of the All Blacks, along with veteran halfback TJ Perenara, addressed the intense scrutiny the team faced prior to their impressive 42-10 win against Argentina at Eden Park on Saturday night. This victory came after the Pumas’ surprising 38-30 triumph over a lackluster All Blacks squad the previous week at Sky Stadium, which drew significant criticism from fans and media.
Cane, who has led the team through numerous challenges over the past four seasons, reflected on the scrutiny, stating, “Unfortunately, it’s something we’re not unfamiliar with right now.” He mentioned that during team gatherings, there was no discussion about external noise. While acknowledging that everyone is on social media, he pointed out that the impact of public opinion on the younger players seems to be minimal. “Mental toughness is necessary in this industry,” he added.
Perenara, who played a crucial role in the victory by setting up Will Jordan’s first try with a skillful offload, remarked that he had “not listened” to outside criticism. He revealed that he would be departing from the All Blacks at the end of the season to pursue a contract in Japan. “Some people might find my style of play appealing, while others may disagree. It’s just the nature of the game,” he noted.
Acknowledging the fans’ right to express their opinions and the media’s role in performance analysis, Perenara emphasized his personal objectives. “I have a point to prove to myself every week, so my job is to play well every game.” He understood that media discussions are part of building excitement around matchups and expressed respect for journalists’ roles in the process.
Looking ahead, the All Blacks will regroup for two tests against the world-champion Springboks in South Africa following a week off. The first match will take place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on September 1 (NZT), a stadium where Cane led an underdog team to a remarkable victory in 2022.