Sam Cane’s return to the All Blacks in the No 7 jersey has emerged as one of the standout rugby narratives of the year. Head coach Scott Robertson has announced three adjustments to the match-day 23 ahead of the Rugby Championship test against the Springboks in Johannesburg, scheduled for Sunday morning (NZT). Cane will replace Dalton Papali’i at openside flanker, as Papali’i is sidelined due to a thumb injury.
In addition, loose forward Samipeni Finau has been added to the reserves to bolster the squad for what promises to be a physically demanding match against the Springboks, with approximately 62,000 spectators expected at Ellis Park. The backline for the match will remain unchanged.
Cane’s only appearance for the All Blacks this year was as a replacement during the recent win over Argentina in Auckland. The last time he wore the No 7 jersey was when he captained the team in the World Cup final against the Springboks in late October, a match marked by disappointment after he received a red card for a high tackle, which led to his team’s narrow 12-11 defeat.
Although Scott Barrett has taken on the captaincy, Cane has remained a pivotal figure in the team’s preparations to face the Springboks on their home ground. After undergoing surgery in March for a serious back injury, Cane’s playing time has been limited. He made a few appearances for his Bay of Plenty club and participated in some pre-season games after returning to New Zealand.
The upcoming match will mark Cane’s 97th test for the All Blacks, and it poses a significant challenge for Robertson as he aims for victory in this high-stakes encounter.
The All Blacks lineup consists of: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Ethan Blackadder, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (captain), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams.
Reserves include: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Sam Darry, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Mark Tele’a.