Sam Cane’s return to the All Blacks as the No. 7 flanker is shaping up to be one of the standout stories in rugby this year. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made three modifications to the squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship test against the Springboks in Johannesburg on Sunday morning (NZT), placing Cane in the starting lineup in place of Dalton Papali’i, who is sidelined due to a thumb injury.
Additionally, loose forward Samipeni Finau is included in the reserves to bolster the team for what is anticipated to be a physically demanding match against the Springboks, set to draw around 62,000 spectators at Ellis Park. The backline remains unchanged as they prepare for the challenge.
Cane’s only previous appearance in the black jersey this year came as a substitute during the recent victory against Argentina in Auckland. His last full match in the No. 7 jersey was during the World Cup final against the Springboks in Paris last October. That game was particularly disappointing for him, as he received a red card for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel in the 28th minute, forcing him to watch the Springboks secure a narrow 12-11 win from the sidelines.
While Scott Barrett now leads the team, Cane has played a crucial role in assisting the squad’s preparations to face the Springboks on their home soil. This year has been challenging for Cane, who has struggled with a severe back injury that required surgery in March, limiting his opportunities with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan and his subsequent appearances in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty club and pre-season matches.
The upcoming test against the Springboks will mark Cane’s 97th international appearance for the All Blacks, and it promises to be one of the toughest challenges of Robertson’s coaching career.
The All Blacks lineup is as follows: 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, and Tamaiti Williams.
Reserves include Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Sam Darry, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Mark Tele’a.