All Blacks captain Cane signs new rugby deal

Eight concussions....??? One concussion that sits you down for a season and a half, is enough to warrant concern, because that's the one that follows numerous previous hits, that warranted the concern in the first place and impacted RM's abilities, at the time. And the GOAT did suffer, numerous hits during the early part, of his career. But, it wasn't concussion, that kept Cane off the paddock for lengthy periods of his career - it was a fractured neck and torn pectoral muscle. Each of these injuries have been medically treated and allowed him to return, to play. He may have suffered 8 concussive hits but, the HIA protocols and stand-downs adopted by WR today, have cleared any concerns about returning to play. IMO, the GOAT was fortunate to be able to return after being absent from the paddock, for so long a period.

8 concussions? Really?

Cane at his best is a superior 7 to Ardie, especially as a defensive 7. We didn't see Cane at his best in 2021 for obvious reasons, so your comment re Ardie being a better 7 at the moment is a fair one. I still would much rather have Cane at 7 though once/if he gets back to his best.

The GOAT you talk about didn’t have 8 concussions or a fractured neck in a very short space of time though did he?

I recall a previous AB captain who IMO, wasn't too shabby and went on to be regarded as the GOAT, also missed a slice of his career, due to injury. I think it is the mental fortitude of these players, to return to top rugby after such serious injuries and play, the best rugby they ever imagined.

Selecting Cane as captain was Fosters first mistake. You need your captain on the field. One head knock away from retirement. Signing him for this length of contract just shows they have rocks for brains. Fair play to Sam though - albeit he was negotiating with a bunch of halfwits!

Interesting quote from Sam “We almost surprised ourselves how well we went with our pick-and-goes, considering it’s not traditionally how we play. “So, maybe it’s about shortening up some of our attacking stuff to bring in defenders and find space elsewhere.” https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/300472503/sam-cane-says-all-blacks-have-identified-small-tweaks-to-make-big-differences I wonder if Highlander helped him write this :laughing: But instead of saying “it’s not traditionally how we play” he should have said “it is a simple effective play against rush defenses”

Dunno about that BF, the previous All Black seven was still world class at 35. I know that he's had a couple of bad injuries so there's an element of risk, but Cane is so important for the team. Papalii might get there, but there's nobody like him for leading the defence and making a shed load of aggressive tackles. We simply aren't as good without him there.

That doesn't make sense. Do they only contract 15 players?

I wouldnt call him a top 50 no 6 Terry. He's a 7. Top 5 for sure!!!

I reckon they would allow him to go OS if he wasnt making the team anymore BF. NZR knows they can sign these types of players longer than ususal as they know they will receive big offers once their ABs time is done.

I suspect an injury will put him out, the sabbatical is too late in my view. It must have been a hard decision, they don’t want him to go and he is the incumbent captain, but as you say, a lot of competition in that row and I’d expect him to be surpassed in the not too distant future, if he hasn’t already that is.

ok..ardie is a better seven..in fact, ardie plays 6,7 and 8 better than any all black at the moment..

If he can even fulfil his contract.. His injury list is getting pretty long now. I can’t see him making beyond the RWC, if he even makes it to the World Cup! His best bet is to be a back up or 30-40 minute gamer from now on. Also, the competition for loose forwards is getting pretty intense. like Papalii or Blackadder, Akira Ioane, Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson.. Shannon Frizell, Sotutu. Just to name a few. All wanting bigger roles in the All Blacks. Next years SR should be pretty interesting to see who stands out.

He's a no 7

Wishful thinking

So, being outside the top 5 in the world means he isn’t a very good player? That’s a hard yard stick to measure up to. I get where you’re coming from though, with the time he has had off and the injuries, he will take a bit to come back up to speed. The length of the extension is not too much of a surprise, given what RA did with Hooper. I guess they do it to I still confidence and allows them to build a leadership group him.

sam cane is not a very good test player..he certainly is not in the top 5 of no. sixes in the world at the moment..

Yea - my guess is that he probably held out for the 4 year contract, otherwise he would have headed off to greener pastures overseas. Get's the best off both worlds - locked in income for 4 years + ability to generate decent dollars, playing in Japan (Great cash + less stress on body). Good player but does seem excessive to give a 29 year old a 4 year contract - especially when he is probably in the most damaging position in rugby playing @ 7.

And that's 2/3 of Fozzie's back-row sorted for the next few years... If you are an aspiring Kiwi loose forward - it's time to focus on blindside! :laughing: