Sam Cane’s return to the No. 7 jersey for the All Blacks is shaping up to be one of the most compelling rugby narratives of the year. All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has implemented three changes to the match-day 23 as they prepare for their Rugby Championship test against the Springboks in Johannesburg this Sunday morning (NZT), with Cane stepping in at openside flanker for Dalton Papali’i, who is sidelined due to a thumb injury.
The sole other alteration is in the reserves, where loose forward Samipeni Finau joins the lineup to provide additional strength for what is anticipated to be a fierce contest against the Springboks, expected to attract around 62,000 fans at Ellis Park. The backline remains unchanged.
Cane’s only appearance in the All Blacks jersey this year was as a substitute in the recent victory over Argentina in Auckland. His last start in the No. 7 jersey came during the World Cup final against the Springboks in Paris last October, a match marked by a red card he received for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel, which forced him to watch as South Africa clinched the title with a narrow 12-11 win.
Though Scott Barrett now leads the team, Cane has been instrumental in preparing for the showdown against South Africa on their home ground. After undergoing back surgery in March, Cane has had limited playing time this year, which affected his appearances for his Japanese club, Suntory Sungoliath. He last played for them in January before returning to New Zealand, where he made some appearances for his local club in Bay of Plenty and participated in pre-season matches.
This upcoming test against the Springboks will mark Cane’s 97th appearance for the All Blacks, and it presents a significant challenge for Robertson in his coaching career.
The All Blacks lineup includes 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. The reserves are Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Sam Darry, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Mark Tele’a.