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‘So impressed’: Why Sam Cane has been the Chiefs’ best player this season
The undefeated Chiefs have been sensational in Super Rugby Pacific this season, but there’s one player who has impressed former All Black Ian Jones more than any other.
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Looking back at last year’s end-of-season tour, All Blacks captain Sam Cane appeared to be under genuine pressure – and arguably still is ahead of the World Cup.
Cane was ruled out of the Autumn Nations Series after sustaining an injury during the win over Japan in October, and Blues flanker Dalton Papali’i made the most of the opportunity.
Papali’i starred in the coveted No. 7 jersey during the thrilling win over Scotland, and impressed once again during the 25-all draw with England at Twickenham.
All Blacks great Ian Jones questioned whether Cane was “good enough” start over Papali’i during key games at the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
But Jones has clearly changed his tune.
The Chiefs have won all six of their matches this season, and Cane has played a big role in their success. In fact, Jones said the flanker has been the Chiefs’ best player so far.
“I’ve just been so impressed really… (with) the level of performance and the standards that our All Black captain has set for the Chiefs,” Jones said on SENZ’s Chiefs Mana.
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“You’d arguably have to say he’s been the player of the team so far within the Chiefs.
“Both sides of the ball (he’s been immense) but his defensive work and his energy that he brings to that team, others can rise up to it like a Brodie Retallick, who we know has got that big engine.
“Those two guys have been phenomenal and we can talk about McKenzie with that spark and Shauny as well, but I think it’s just been that level from the senior players which has allowed everyone else in the squad to come up and perform at the level that we’ve seen.”
The Chiefs started their season with a stunning win over the champion Crusaders in Christchurch – for a squad of world-class players, they’ve well and truly lived up to their reputations this season.
Fullback Shaun Stevenson has been one of the players of the competition so far, while All Blacks Brodie Retallick and Damian McKenzie have also stood out.
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“What Clayton McMillan has done is his consistency in selection has been really vital for what they’ve achieved,” he added.
“Big minutes from Sam Cane, big minutes when he has to from Brodie Retallick, Damian McKenzie when he’s there, Shaun Stevenson… they’re the guys (that) have been a really good benchmark.
“He’s been able to bring players in and out, of course hopefully going forward we’re going to have Anton Lienert-Brown coming back in the midfield.
“That’s going to bring a lot more energy and spark as well which is going to be a good thing for this tournament.”
The Chiefs face arguably their biggest test yet as they look to keep their unbeaten streak alive in round eight.
Following their bye, the Hamilton-based outfit will travel south to the capital where they’ll take on the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Hurricanes have lost one game this season – a thriller against the Blues – but sit first on the ladder.
Currently equal on points with the Chiefs, the winner of this highly anticipated New Zealand derby will occupy first place on the Super Rugby Pacific standings.
Comments on RugbyPass
Some dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
1 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
7 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
7 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
7 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
7 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
7 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
7 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to comments