The return of Sam Cane to the No. 7 position for the All Blacks is being hailed as one of the significant rugby stories of the year. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has confirmed three changes to the match-day 23 for their Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks in Johannesburg this Sunday morning (NZT). Cane will replace Dalton Papali’i at openside flanker, as Papali’i is sidelined due to a thumb injury.
The only other adjustment comes in the reserves, where loose forward Samipeni Finau will be added to provide depth in what is anticipated to be a physically demanding match against the Springboks, 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 substitute in the recent win over Argentina in Auckland about two weeks ago. His last start in the No. 7 jersey was during the World Cup final against the Springboks in Paris last October, a match that ended in disappointment for him due to a red card he received for a high tackle on Springboks midfielder Jesse Kriel.
Despite Scott Barrett stepping in as captain, Cane has been instrumental in preparing the team for this critical game. He has faced a challenging year due to a severe back injury that required surgery in March, limiting his playtime with the Suntory Sungoliath club in Japan, with his last game being in January. Since returning to New Zealand, he has made a few appearances for his Bay of Plenty club and participated in pre-season matches.
The upcoming match will mark Cane’s 97th test for the All Blacks, presenting a significant challenge as Robertson’s coaching journey intensifies.
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.
Reserves consist of: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Sam Darry, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Mark Tele’a.