The return of Sam Cane in the No. 7 jersey for the All Blacks is shaping up to be one of the notable rugby stories of the year. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has announced three changes to his match-day 23 for the Rugby Championship test against the Springboks in Johannesburg on Sunday morning (NZT). Cane is set to play as the openside flanker, taking over from Dalton Papali’i, who is sidelined due to a thumb injury.
The only other modification is in the reserves, where loose forward Samipeni Finau is included to add strength for the anticipated tough match against the Springboks, which will take place in front of approximately 62,000 fans at Ellis Park. The backline remains unchanged.
Cane’s only appearance in the All Blacks jersey this year was as a replacement in the win against Argentina in Auckland nearly two weeks ago. His last full match in the No. 7 jersey was in the World Cup final against the Springboks in Paris last October, a challenging moment for him after receiving a red card for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel. He had to watch from the sidelines as the Springboks achieved a narrow 12-11 victory.
Although Scott Barrett currently serves as captain, Cane has been instrumental in the team’s preparations to face the Springboks on their home ground. His opportunities on the field this year have been limited due to a serious back injury that led to surgery in March, affecting his playtime with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan, where he last played in January.
After returning to New Zealand, Cane participated in several matches with his club in Bay of Plenty and played in pre-season games for his province. This upcoming match against the Springboks will mark Cane’s 97th test cap for the All Blacks. The test is considered one of the toughest challenges in Robertson’s coaching career.
All Blacks lineup: 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: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Sam Darry, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Tele’a.