BREAKING: Sam Cane set for All Blacks debut
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Promising loose forward Sam Cane is set to make his debut for the All Blacks after being named in the reserves for the second rugby Test against Ireland in Christchurch on Saturday.
The 20-year-old Chiefs flanker gets his chance after an injury to Victor Vito forced the All Blacks into one change to the starting line-up from the side that overran the Irish 42-10 in the first Test in Auckland.
Vito, who is sidelined for up to five weeks with a knee injury, is replaced at blindside flanker by Adam Thomson.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is expecting a better showing from the Irish after they were soundly beaten at Eden Park.
“We are also expecting Ireland to improve, as they are a nation with a never-say-die attitude so what we did last time won’t be good enough,” said Hansen who also promised more from the world champions.
“We (the coaches) are expecting further improvements in our game due to the extra training and preparation time we have had together, along with having a game under our belt.”
The match will be the first in Christchurch since 2010 after a series of earthquakes ravaged the city.
“The team, especially those of us from Christchurch, know that people have still been doing it tough so hopefully we can give them a performance on Saturday that puts a smile on their faces,” Hansen said.
© AAP 2013New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Adam Thomson, Samuel Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Hikawera Elliot, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Sam Cane, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith
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- All Blacks, Ireland Rugby, Rugby Union, Sam Cane
June 14th 2012 @ 6:38am
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 6:38am | Report comment
So Nonu isn’t starting after all that! Who came up with the rumour then?
June 14th 2012 @ 6:46am
moaman said | June 14th 2012 @ 6:46am | Report comment
KPM….You mustn’t listen to rumours!
Editors; Why is my stuff often/always being moderated now?
June 14th 2012 @ 11:08am
Jarmen said | June 14th 2012 @ 11:08am | Report comment
Moa are you using names in your posts, that seems to put you on instant mod or if your posts are too long
June 14th 2012 @ 6:43am
moaman said | June 14th 2012 @ 6:43am | Report comment
All Blacks
1. Tony Woodcock (84)
2. Andrew Hore (63)
3. Owen Franks (32)
4. Brodie Retallick (1)
5. Samuel Whitelock (26)
6. Adam Thomson (25)
7. Richie McCaw – captain (104)
8. Kieran Read (37)
9. Aaron Smith (1)
10. Daniel Carter (86)
11. Julian Savea (1)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (15)
13. Conrad Smith (56)
14. Zac Guildford (9)
15. Israel Dagg (13)
Reserves:
16. Hikawera Elliot (3)
17. Ben Franks (16)
18. Ali Williams (74)
19. Sam Cane *
20. Piri Weepu (57)
21. Aaron Cruden (10)
22. Ben Smith (3)
Despite the scurrilous rumours that circulated the Roar…the selectors have stuck with the midfield that performed well last week. Some cryptic hints emanating from the AB camp also point to Cane being possibly regarded as a player who might well shine at the top level without standing out particularly at Super xv.
Good to see a bit of continuity for this one.
June 14th 2012 @ 9:05am
justsaying said | June 14th 2012 @ 9:05am | Report comment
I think the rumours just snowballed from something Israel Dagg said in a post-match interview. Agree that it’s good to see some continuity.
June 14th 2012 @ 6:57am
Richie McCaw said | June 14th 2012 @ 6:57am | Report comment
Good, I was waiting to see how he goes.
June 14th 2012 @ 9:20am
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 9:20am | Report comment
One curiousity is that New Zealand haven’t called anyone into their training squad unofficially which sometimes they do: often these players are raw and so would offend conservative critics if officially selected in the main squad and so thay are brought in via the back door. Indeed in 2010 Victor Vito and Rene Ranger were introduced in this way.
June 14th 2012 @ 9:32am
Thurl said | June 14th 2012 @ 9:32am | Report comment
And Rene Ranger left by the same door…
June 14th 2012 @ 9:34am
Tumble Hill said | June 14th 2012 @ 9:34am | Report comment
KPM – They have bought in Liam Messam as injury cover for the loosies.
June 14th 2012 @ 9:36am
justsaying said | June 14th 2012 @ 9:36am | Report comment
Ranger was called in after injuries to Conrad Smith and Israel Dagg. Vito was in the squad all along. Not quite sure where you got the idea they were brought in through the “back door”…
June 14th 2012 @ 9:46am
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 9:46am | Report comment
Messam’s selection in the first squad probably wouldn’t have been praised so maybe it’s better to get him in this way. Hard to imagine Hansen ever selecting Ranger however he plays so he should probably go for Japanese dollars now or a career in the NRL. Strange that Todd is rated so low: apparently after leaving him out of the squad Hansen didn’t even call to suggest what he needed to work on, suggesting that improvements would not be enough anyway. Fruean could well go the NRL now too as he isn’t the kind of player Hansen appears to favour.
June 14th 2012 @ 10:04am
justsaying said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:04am | Report comment
All 3 players you mention are 25 or under KPM so I’d suggest they’ll persevere a bit longer (especially given that guys like Smith and McCaw aren’t getting any younger). They all have flaws in their game to iron out first though…
June 14th 2012 @ 10:13am
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:13am | Report comment
js Ranger has been out of the AB squad for two years and will be 26 in september and is clearly the more risky kind of player that the conservative Hansen wouldn’t like, while the same goes for Fruean. It might be an idea for these players to begin careers in the NRL while they’re young enough to do so as it’s very hard to imagine Hansen choosing them if he puts Guildford and Ben Smith above in the pecking order.
June 14th 2012 @ 10:27am
justsaying said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:27am | Report comment
You’re not wrong KPM I just don’t think that’s what will happen. At 25 I would hope that these guys would continue to back their skills and their potential to improve. It’s pretty rare (in NZ, at least) for players to really establish themselves at test level before 25-26. I think those guys will give themselves a couple more years at least. If they take the cash now it really confirms that they don’t have the credentials to represent the ABs.
June 14th 2012 @ 10:34am
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:34am | Report comment
js I’m not sure about the last point. Ranger gets negligible support in New Zealand, is rarely mentioned as a candidate for the All Blacks, and at nearing 26 if considering another career would have to go for it now. It’s not a crime to leave New Zealand if you have almost no prospect of making the ABs and time is nearly up to start another career.
June 14th 2012 @ 10:47am
justsaying said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:47am | Report comment
Well yes and no – it would have been very hard to pick him this year given that he’s performed poorly in a poorly performing team. He could turn around and play a great ITM Cup and follow it up with a good Super Rugby performance next year and be right back in the reckoning. and even if he doesn’t get picked he’ll still have plenty of time to plunder his fortune in Europe in the same vein as Tana Umaga and Doug Howlett…
June 14th 2012 @ 11:01am
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 11:01am | Report comment
js Ranger’s father is English but with his three NZ caps he can’t go and play for them now!
June 14th 2012 @ 12:31pm
justsaying said | June 14th 2012 @ 12:31pm | Report comment
Yeah but that doesn’t stop him making a mint playing for an English club!
June 14th 2012 @ 1:33pm
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 1:33pm | Report comment
js he may have a French grandfather for all we know too!
June 14th 2012 @ 10:18am
Tumble Hill said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:18am | Report comment
There must be something about Matt Todd that theyre not quite sure about. I mean to select Sam Cane over him suggests that they must see him furthur down the pecking order.
I think Matt Todd is a good player but he must lack that x-factor that they see in Cane.
Hopefully he gets a run in the later stages of the game.
June 14th 2012 @ 10:21am
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:21am | Report comment
TH what’s your opinion of their respective natural ability? I would say it’s odd to leave out Todd completely because who knows how long Mccaw might last. If he suddenly packs up then they would need two and not one 7.
It could be that they actually see LESS X-factor in Todd, but more safety in the same way they surely must see less X-factor in Guildford and Ben Smith than Ranger and Fruean but more security.
Or regarding these players it could be they just assume that a player with X-factor by nature can’t be safe. Guildford has no X-factor nor is safe as a player.
June 14th 2012 @ 12:28pm
Tumble Hill said | June 14th 2012 @ 12:28pm | Report comment
I think you are right on all counts there KPM. I was only really ever a fan of Guildford when he 1st came on the scene from the Hawkesbay and then played for the Canes. I actually dont think he has got any better.
Todd i guess could still be picked for the Northen tour at the end of the year. Todds game has had the added help of McCaw being around him alot so it makes you wonder if hes spoken to the AB’s selectors about him…
June 14th 2012 @ 12:40pm
Jerry said | June 14th 2012 @ 12:40pm | Report comment
I don’t think it’s lack of X-factor counting against Todd, I think it’s a lack of size/physical impact.
Guildford is very safe as a player, KPM. Other than his shocker in Brisbane, he’s a low risk player through and through. To the extent that he’ll turn back inside to make sure ball is recycled rather than try and beat a man on the outside. I’m not saying it’s a good thing or a bad thing, but to say he’s not safe as a player is simply incorrect.
June 14th 2012 @ 12:54pm
Tumble Hill said | June 14th 2012 @ 12:54pm | Report comment
Good points there Jerry, although once Jane and Kahui are back to full fitness will there be any need for Guildford? I dont think so.
June 14th 2012 @ 1:36pm
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 1:36pm | Report comment
I suppose with Guildford I remember the SA match last year where he dropped everything but my objection to him isn’t really that but has been aired before so I won’t repeat it.
The love affair with him does baffle me though.
June 14th 2012 @ 1:58pm
Jerry said | June 14th 2012 @ 1:58pm | Report comment
Tumble Hill – not really, no. They both offer the pluses of Guildford but with more attacking threat. And, while it was only 20 minutes against a beaten side, I thought Ben Smith looked more dangerous last weekend also.
KPM – I wouldn’t say it’s a love affair, Kahui and Jane are both injured, he’s a safe option but he’s 4th or 5th choice at best.
June 14th 2012 @ 3:10pm
Kuruki said | June 14th 2012 @ 3:10pm | Report comment
Matt Todd is the victim of Kaino leaving the All Blacks. Had Kaino still been there Matt Todd would have been at the top of the pecking order. Because of the loss of Kaino and to an extent Brad Thorn, two much bigger, physical players leapfrogged guys like Todd and Luke Braid into the All Blacks squad, those players being Cane and Shields. The All Blacks see dominating the physical exchanges at the ruck and defensively as more important then having a genuine scavenger like Todd. Cane and Shields are both big boys and it’s for this reason they have jumped ahead in the pecking order. Hansen does not want to lose that physical edge.
June 14th 2012 @ 10:29am
justsaying said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:29am | Report comment
It could just be that they’ve seen enough of Todd over the last couple of years, and want to introduce Cane to the AB environment in order to build depth. Remember it’s only through injury that Cane is getting a look in here. Todd has already had time with ABs during the RWC…
June 14th 2012 @ 10:36am
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:36am | Report comment
js theoretically that would be true but the fact that Hansen didn’t even call Todd would suggest otherwise. Cane is about to get a test cap while Todd has none and is 24.
June 14th 2012 @ 10:54am
justsaying said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:54am | Report comment
True, but do we know whether Hansen called anyone else who missed out on the training squad? Maybe that’s just his MO…
June 14th 2012 @ 10:53am
ohtani's jacket said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:53am | Report comment
My guess is they think Todd is too short.
June 14th 2012 @ 10:55am
justsaying said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:55am | Report comment
He’s a half-inch shorter than McCaw…
June 14th 2012 @ 11:00am
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 11:00am | Report comment
I’m not sure Blackadder had done very well with either Todd or Fruean, though doubtless better than Lam with Ranger (and others).
Indeed Ranger’s future may rest very much on who is appointed the next Blues coach.
June 14th 2012 @ 11:12am
ohtani's jacket said | June 14th 2012 @ 11:12am | Report comment
OK, I actually thought Todd was closer to Pocock’s height, but he’s taller than I thought.
June 14th 2012 @ 3:15pm
Kuruki said | June 14th 2012 @ 3:15pm | Report comment
Rangers future rests solely on his own shoulders. There is nothing stopping him getting an All Black jersey other then his error rate and decision making. If he improves in these two areas, he will be knocking on the door.
June 14th 2012 @ 9:50am
Pierce said | June 14th 2012 @ 9:50am | Report comment
Like to see Brad Shields get a run some time this year too.
June 14th 2012 @ 11:06am
moaman said | June 14th 2012 @ 11:06am | Report comment
Interesting about Cane/Shields.Neither has been regular 1st choice pick at their respective franchises and yet it appears some natural talent and some well-placed praise from exalted quarters has seen them leapfrog tried-and-true week-in,week-out performers like Todd.At least they have leapt ahead in the minds of the public! I wonder whether Matt Todd is unlucky to be slightly small and also,perhaps the last of a long line of proto-typical #7s and that the selectors are looking for another ‘type’ of player? Closer watchers of the ‘Canes than me could perhaps shed more light…but Shields hasn’t particularly stood out on the park for me.
If IF the ABs perform as the public seems to expect* they will this weekend,I would love to see them chuck Cane a starting-berth for Hamilton.See what he can do against a tough(ish)pack and a worthy opponent like O’Brien.We need to start grooming someone sooner rather than later to take over from McCaw.
* Cringe at articles penned by Wynne Gray & Rattue diminishing the Irish earlier this week.We don’t need Bigmouth journalists like that representing us.
June 14th 2012 @ 12:11pm
Tumble Hill said | June 14th 2012 @ 12:11pm | Report comment
Moaman – it could be because they were part of the very sucessful U20′s set up. The AB’s coaches and selectors must believe that these guys can make the step up to the big time and Sam Cane is the 1st to get a shot.
They must see them as core players of the future and want to bring them in early. Beudan Barrett, Retallick, Savea and Tameifuna also in this category.
June 14th 2012 @ 12:37pm
moaman said | June 14th 2012 @ 12:37pm | Report comment
TH-good points.Actually I have faith in the system and trust that they know what they are about.Just find it interesting that you occasionally hear people talking up so-and-so based(presumeably) solely on hear-say. Those other blokes you named have all been on display throughout the season and had ample opportunity to showcase their wares….
KPM…Rene Ranger was outstanding versus The Chiefs and had plenty of people talking about him.Consistancy is the only thing holding him back from higher honours.Robbie Fruean is knocking on the door-if he keeps it up long enough,someone is sure to answer it
June 14th 2012 @ 1:34pm
kingplaymaker said | June 14th 2012 @ 1:34pm | Report comment
moaman we shall see and doubtless how things go against tougher opposition will determine them. Those two and Taylor seem to me very special.
June 14th 2012 @ 4:00pm
Jerry said | June 14th 2012 @ 4:00pm | Report comment
“Consistancy is the only thing holding him back from higher honours.”
And decision making. He must be much larger than he appears cause apparently his mass is sufficient that the ball can’t escape his gravitational field.
June 14th 2012 @ 12:40pm
justsaying said | June 14th 2012 @ 12:40pm | Report comment
They could always play McCaw at 6, Cane at 7 for game 3…
I think the selectors have realised that there’s no point picking players who they already know a lot about in a 30 man squad and essentially sticking them in a suit in the stand. Cane is obviously gonna benefit a lot more from that than Todd is. As it happens, injuries mean Cane is probably gonna get on the park this weekend. That’s a lucky break for him and tough on Todd, but realistically it was never really supposed to happen – Cane is just there to soak up the environment.
June 14th 2012 @ 3:26pm
Kuruki said | June 14th 2012 @ 3:26pm | Report comment
Cane and Shields are seen to have more potential because of their size and physicality and therefore are being taken in earlier then they probably deserve with sights firmly on the World cup in 2015. Braid and Todd no question are currently better players, but the general feeling is Cane and Shields will eventually overtake both of those guys. I have no issue with this thought as Vito and Thomo will be there well into these young guys development.
June 14th 2012 @ 10:38pm
DC of nz said | June 14th 2012 @ 10:38pm | Report comment
Very good analysis thank you.
Yep I agree Hansen wants muscle in the loose guys who hit hard in the tight contact and Todd doesn’t have that…Braid hasnt got enough menace either….
The new AB game Plan is hit hard and for Aaron Smith to clear it hyper fast to the backs – I like it !
of course this all proves there was only one Jerry Collins !
June 14th 2012 @ 12:37pm
jnr said | June 14th 2012 @ 12:37pm | Report comment
kpm u talk up ranger and fruen like they special fruen will b left out for good he just wont learn kahui will b no 13 before him once conrad hangs up his boots u should watch the young no 13 for the under 20 nz team he could be kahui all over again then watch the guy you keep talkin up in the under 20 aus centre seuti i think and there freun all ova lol ranger u didnt c ranger against wales 3 yrs ago i think on debut in hamilton he had 4 on 1 i think and hog it got tackled and didnt score that is why hes not there no more i watched a young man who the year before had one of the worst years of any young mans career he dusted himself off picked himself up 4 this year became a better player and look wat happened all blacks 3 trys on debut he got more trys in one game than ranger has in 4 lol but most of all the one u want to keep an eye on is the old man u say isnt good enough in the 13 jumper the one who will turn up and play no matter wat thats wats fruen and ranger gotta learn but hey thankgod no one just get picked for the all blacks or we might lose to teams we r not supposed to as well ps and guildford onli there cause jane and kahui r out
June 14th 2012 @ 11:57pm
glacier said | June 14th 2012 @ 11:57pm | Report comment
Isn’t Piri Weepu the worst scrum half to have ever played for the All Blacks? He couldn’t even bend over last week to pick up the ball after a ruck or scrum because of the size of his gut and took a couple of minutes to even get to a scrum even when he had the put in. The last 20 minutes when he came on were a travesty for anyone watching the game after the fluency of Aaron Smith
If Hansen continues with such a selection he will lose vital matches to the Springboks and the Wallabies who have much better players in key positions than the sorry Irish.
June 15th 2012 @ 2:45pm
Tony said | June 15th 2012 @ 2:45pm | Report comment
Im puzzled why Hosea Gear continually gets left out. I prefer him to Guilford, for me hes the best finisher in NZ. For some reason even though he is in the squad Hansen wont select him. Hes got to be a better selection on the wing than Guilford or Ben Smith esp since Cory Jane and Kahui are out injured