The All Blacks have confirmed that Sam Whitelock will lead the team on their northern hemisphere tour over the coming weeks with Sam Cane needing to focus on his performance before being considered for reclaiming the captain’s armband.
Assistant coach, John Plumtree, confirmed that the returning lock will be captain for the entire tour, starting with the first Test against the USA this Sunday and continuing with the All Blacks four Tests in Europe.
The match against the USA will be Whitelock’s first since mid-August with the second-rower having been away from the team on parental duties as his third child was born during the Rugby Championship. The plan had been that he would play in the final match against the Springboks but a quarantine timing issues prevented him from joining the All Blacks in Queensland.
(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
The news that backrower Sam Cane is part of the All Blacks squad is positive news but the fact that Cane has not retaken the captain’s duties raises some interesting questions about his future.
Cane has been a wonderful player for the All Blacks but a number of serious injuries have seen him spend long periods of time in recovery.
With Cane playing just one club game since his most recent injury that required surgery on his chest and shoulder in April, Plumtree explained that the decision had been made to give the Chiefs man time to play his way back into the starting line-up without the added pressure of the captain’s role.
“Sam just needs to focus on his game to get his game right. He has been out for a long time. The added burden of captaincy wouldn’t be good for his game right now,” explained Plumtree this week.
It is certainly true that Cane has been out for a while but can you imagine Richie McCaw having to play his way back into the team before regaining the captaincy during his time with the All Blacks? The reality is that Cane is no longer an obvious first choice in a New Zealand back-row with Plumtree and Ian Foster having plenty of talent and experience to pick from currently.
With Plumtree setting expectations that they are assuming it will take Cane a while to get up to speed, one does start to wonder whether the 74 internationally capped hero is part of the longer-term plans for the All Blacks.
“He has just got to get out there and do his thing. But it will take a little bit of time,” Plumtree said.
All Blacks legend Buck Shelford said in early October that he feared for Cane’s future. “He is always probably one injury away from retirement from rugby, especially if it’s to the head,” Shelford told Newstalk ZB.
Sam Cane. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
While the result of Sunday’s clash between the All Blacks and the USA might be a foregone conclusion, the match is an important one for the host nation.
Republican congressman, Alex Mooney, called on Americans to fill the Fed-X Field stadium and said in Congress that the game would be “an important barometer for the United States’ ability to host future world-class events, including the Rugby World Cup.”
Mooney co-chairs the congressional rugby caucus and encouraged fans to come and see the All Blacks, who he called “the world’s most famous rugby club.”
Which of the two Sams will be leading this famous rugby club in 2022 will be fascinating to see.
Sylvester
Guest
In my view, the backline isn't a major problem. The midfield does need to be worked out, but the players he's selected have been inconsistent so what do you?
Sylvester
Guest
It's Foster's fault Cane got injured and his fill-in couldn't make the Aussie tour? Where was the rush is appointing Cane captain? It happened five months after Foster was named coach.
Bill Shut
Roar Rookie
When you say a young McCaw, McCaw was 22? when he was AB captain? Blackadder is already 26? Still time to cement himself, and if he is captain material that’s great.
Android-angler Cartman-brah
Roar Rookie
Fossie’s team selections is whats going to be his downfall. Making the same mistakes as Hansen. Just look how he messed up the midfield pairing. Atm only 15 is playing in his best position (not referring to forwards-dont want to open a can of worms).
Android-angler Cartman-brah
Roar Rookie
Ardie to me is a good impact player. I would solely use him from the bench not as a starter. Cane is class, should be in the team asap. Non of your current loosies is in his mould of play bar young Blackadder.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Not convinced JD. Good player not not a test 8. Ive had enough of this "select the best 3 and play them wherever" attitude.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Hard to leave him out the way he’s been playing Jacko. Play him with Cane and a proper 6 and you have a balanced unit.
Old Bugger
Roar Rookie
I foresee Cane will be back in the C role, next year. We will need him to get 2 seasons going into 2023 RWC in that role because I don't think Sam W, will be in a position to hold down a locking berth, by that stage. And for me, Ardie is neither the future No7 or No8. I like the call, to give him as much game time as he can get on tour, without the C role. Once his game smarts, fitness and physicality returns starting with TTSR next year, Cane will be ready to take on, the Captain's mantle. I really can't wait for his first Chiefs match, next year lining up and leading a side with Moli, Taukeiaho, Taavao, Guzzler, Vaii, Lord, Jacobson, Weber, Tupaea and ALB - just a darn pity that DMac is on sabbatical trip.
Highlander
Roar Guru
ABs with Savea starting at 7 - 75% ( fluffed up a little with 1/4 of those games being wins vs Argentina) ABs starting with Savea at 6 or 8 - 88% Savea is not the answer at 7 for NZ, ironic how his only turnover this year was the one that led to SAs try in game 2.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
I just dont see Savea as the best 8 JD. So to me if he isnt the 7 then he is looked at for a bench role due to his versatility. I get sick of the "he's a great player so fit him into the team" mentality. Play the best in each position and if that upsets a few so be it.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
If Laumape was given more time at test level he would’ve developed. Not many test level highlights as not many test opportunities. But agree to differ on that. RTS could be the answer at second-five. His League background means he used to hard hit ups and spot tackles. Part of the problem with the current New Zealand rugby set up is the lack of a B team, or a trial. These would give developing players a chance to perform above Super Rugby level. They all can’t be be given a decent amount of time in the All Blacks.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
You say undeveloped I say undevelopable Spew-81. 100% agree re a highlights reel tho, but not many highlights at test level for my liking. I think Id like to see RTS at 12 for Auckland for the season. not much to lose and plenty to gain. I hope Quinn is given good game time to show his strengths.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
RTS is probably better as a centre. That would put ALB at 12; he’s not really a Nonu style penetrator either, but he’s tough and all class. There would be some serious skill and nous in that midfield combination. Just watch a highlight reel of Laumape. He has the raw power and pace of a young Nonu for sure. Just undeveloped.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Laumape would’ve given them the full on penetrator they need. To me he never did. Never has and probably never would have. Nonu was absolute class and you cant replace guys like him just by selecting someone who plays similar to him. I would be happy to see the ABs go in a different direction from the "Hit it up" 12 as its not proved successful since Nonu. Get a big ballplayer in there. I was really keen to see RTS have a shot at 12 but sadly not to be this year.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
They never gave Laumape a decent chance. Nonu, who is regarded as the basically the best All Black second-five ever, didn’t truly develop until he was in the All Blacks for a good five years. Sometimes players with outstanding potential take time to develop. Tupaea is a good and developing player. But he doesn’t have the line bending/braking ability of Laumape (he has great turnover technique though). The current All Black midfield lacks a true Nonu style penetrator. That is a major part of the lack of ‘go forward’ issue in the current All Black set up. Most of the midfield options are in between a full on distributor and a full on penetrator (Reiko Ioane is only really a back up centre). Laumape would’ve given them the full on penetrator they need.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
JD I cant think of a positive input Savea had as a Captain. He is a natural leader by example but to me he lacks the ability to speak with refs.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Sorry but Laumape never became anything other than a "moments" player. He had some highlight moments but never became a consistantly good player and tended to let 2 runs define his games. Im glad they didnt sign him to NZ rugby as he would have always been around and Quinn is a far better player.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
My guess is that Cane is seen as the desired openside, when fit again; so Savea won’t get much game time. But Cane is fragile and is more likely to be sidelined than most. They probably want a back up captain who is a guaranteed starter; if the backup is a guaranteed starter they will have more mana and familiarity with the team etc.
Spew_81
Roar Rookie
Agree about the forwards and the powerful winger. But SBW peaked in 2015. If he wasn't so concerned about winning a NRL title and trying to win an Olympic gold medal he could've been an all time great All Black. He should've been dropped after costing the All Blacks the Lions series in 2017. The All Blacks should've concentrated on: ALB, Crotty and Laumape as the midfield trio; they're clearly missing Laumape now. ALB and Laumape would've still being playing together now and would've been a well tested combination.
Puff
Roar Rookie
The AB’s have more than a captaincy dilemma on this northern tour, which includes a match strategy as well. The AB’s performance against the Springbok was extensively wide of the mark and sadly Foster and friends were hesitant in their approach and far from meticulous in the planning. Further, Northern hemisphere refs view the collapsed maul and ruck infringements differently from our local gents. That was noticeable against the Bok, giving away a very high penalty count, which became costly. Home countries like Ireland will be cognizant, regarding a preferred game plan, making life somewhat uncomfortable for the AB’s, fast pace proficient high octane approach. Therefore, for the Sam’s the frustration will be discipline upfront, stopping the 3’s and obtaining 7’s.