Chiefs give update on injured All Black Sam Cane

The Chiefs are facing the prospect of a season without All Blacks flanker Sam Cane while he continues his recovery from a broken neck.

Cane suffered the injury last October during the All Blacks’ 32-30 win over the Springboks in Pretoria.

“He’s still miles away,” Chiefs assistant coach Tabai Matson told NZME after the Chiefs’ first preseason match yesterday.

Matson said he hoped the 27-year-old would be back on the field by May, but understands that isn’t likely.

“We’ve had to count him out really, to be fair,” Matson said. “There’s lots of footy to play before he even gets close.”

“It could be a blessing in disguise for him around a lot of the leadership he can focus on for us.”

The Chiefs have received good news about other injured players, and will welcome back All Blacks prop Atu Moli and loose forward Mitch Brown. Brown ruptured his ACL in the early stages of last season, while Moli had complications with a quad haematoma he suffered in last year’s season opener.

“I don’t want to curse them, but we’re really positive about having those players available this season,” Matson said.

“They’re key contributors and key to our success so we’re all excited to have them back in. They look like they’ve been training hard so next Monday they’ll join the flock and take the lead in some areas.

“The quicker everybody can get them in, the better it is for you team, so that will be our focus.”

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