Why Sam Cane was always the right man for the All Blacks captaincy
Sam Cane was always the right man to next lead the All Blacks. There isn’t a solid argument to be had against his appointment.
It wasn’t Sam Whitelock, it wasn’t Beauden Barrett, and it wasn’t Ardie Savea. In the end, choosing Sam Cane is a justified decision from All Blacks coach Ian Foster and a good reward for the loose forward’s proven track record.
Almost out of nowhere, perhaps to generate some positive headlines in the backdrop of so much uncertainty about the state of the game, Ian Foster says it’s the respect of the dressing room which helped confirm his ‘gut-feel’ that Cane was the right man for the job.
The All Blacks coach has made the right decision and managed to win over his assistant coaches and top selector Grant Fox. It’s a decision that some of Cane’s rivals for the same role may be disappointed in, but not one that can be argued against.
Cane brings the ability to lead exceptionally well and this is perhaps the most valuable tool that the All Blacks will need heading into the next cycle. Cane has several years of playing time still ahead of him and knows full well the run through development, growth and succession management systems that the All Blacks have behind the scenes.
In fact, Cane has been a part of the All Blacks senior leadership for the past six years, during which time the side won a second consecutive Rugby World Cup in 2015.
His pedigree is undeniable. In many ways, Cane was groomed for this role, only he could make the decision to commit to it.
Furthermore, Cane has never departed from the course at any moment. There was no stint in Japan, no talk of wanting to leave and play in the NRL on a podcast, and no moving of Super Rugby franchises.
Cane is as solid as they come and that’s exactly what the All Blacks tend to want out of their captains.
They want individuals who have immense physicality that sees them lead through actions on the field and not just words, and an even more immense sense of loyalty to every part of their game when representing New Zealand Rugby at all levels.
Cane also talks well with media and can articulate himself well, bringing a level of understanding to that part of the job that few others have the tolerance for.
The only question Foster had to ask himself was if there was anyone else in the All Blacks with the pedigree to lead through the entirety of the next World Cup cycle.
Only one man ticked just as many of the boxes, that was Sam Whitelock. Both Cane and Whitelock have taken turns at leading the All Blacks during what was a shaky four years for Kieran Read.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_0vlUCg1t0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Where Cane wins is in age and stability. How much did Whitelock deciding to go to Japan for a stint play on the mind of Ian Foster? If history shows us anything, probably a lot.
Much has also been made of where Cane is most likely to play for the All Blacks long term. Experiments at No.8 and No.6 have provided good results, and despite being benched for the 2019 Rugby World Cup semifinal against England, Cane is similar to fellow forward Dane Coles in that he provides serious bursts of physicality and agility late in games.
But as a starter, Cane has the ability to break the will of opposition at the breakdown, often turning over the ball when defending close to a try line to completely snuff out opposition momentum.
Position wise, there is a gap to fill at the back of the scrum, don’t be surprised if Cane becomes the long-term No. 8.
Add to that the grit Cane possesses, look no further than a devastating neck injury in 2018 for proof of that, but also a mind that anticipates moments on a rugby field which is matched by few.
These two aspects, coupled with a high level of maturity and respect, saw Cane catch the eye of All Blacks hierarchy very early on even before making his debut in the black jersey.
As for when Cane and the rest of the All Blacks will get time on the park, that’s the next big question.
Comments on RugbyPass
It was a let’s-see-what-you're-made-of type of a game. The Bulls do look good when the opposition allows them to, but Munster shut them down, and they could not find a way through. Jake should be very worried about their chances in the competition.
2 Go to commentsHats off to Fabian for a very impressive journey to date. Is it as ‘uniquely unlikely’ as Rugby Pass suggests, given Anton Segner’s journey at the Blues?
1 Go to commentsSad that this was not confirmed. When administrators talk about expanding the game they evidently don’t include pathways to the top tier of rugby for teams outside of the old boys club. Rugby deserves better, and certainly Georgia does.
1 Go to commentsLions might take him on if they move on Van Rooyen but I doubt he will want to go back, might consider it a step backwards for himself. Sharks would take him on but if Plumtree goes on to win the challenge cup they will keep him on. Also sharks showing some promising signs recently. Stormers and Bulls are stable and Springboks are already filled up. Quality coach though, interesting to see where he ends up
1 Go to commentsAnd the person responsible for creating a culture of accountability is?
2 Go to commentsMore useless words from Ben Smith -Please get another team to write about. SA really dont need your input, it suck anyway.
264 Go to commentsThis disgraceful episode must result in management and coach team sackings. A new manager with worse results than previous and the coaching staff need to coached. Awful massacre led by donkeys.
1 Go to commentsInteresting article with one glaring mistake. This sentence: “And between the top four nations right now, Ireland, France, South Africa, and New Zealand…” should read: And between the top four nations right now, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and France…”. Get it right wistful thinkers, its not that hard.
23 Go to commentsHow did Penny get the gig anyway?
2 Go to commentsNice write up Nick and I would have agreed a week ago. However as you would know Cale & co got absolutely monstered by the Blues back row of Sotutu, Ioane and Papaliti and not all of these 3 are guaranteed a start in the Black jumper. He may need to put some kgs before stepping up, Spring tour? After the week end Joe will be a bit more restless. Will need to pick a mobile tough pack for Wales and hope England does the right thing and bashes the ABs. I like your last paragraph but I would bring Swinton, Hannigan into the 6 role and Bobby V to 8
21 Go to commentsThe Crusaders can still get in to the Play Off’s. The imminent return of outstanding captain Scott Barrett and his All Black team mate Codie Taylor will be a big boost.There are others like Tamaiti Williams too. Two home games coming up. Fellow Crusader fans get there and support these guys. I will be.
1 Go to commentsCant get more Wellington than Proctor.
2 Go to commentsWhy not let the media decide. Like how they choose the head coach. Like most of us we entrust the rugby system to choose. A rugby team includes the coaches. It's collective.
13 Go to commentsHi NIck, I have been very impressed with him and he seems a smart player who can see opportunities which Bobby V _(who must be an international 6_) doesn’t see or have the speed to take advantage of. If he continues to improve and puts on 5kgs then he could be a great 8. He is a bit taller than Keiran Reid at 1.93m and 111 kgs, so his skill set fits his body size and who knows where it will lead. I hope the spate of Achilles tendon issues have been dealt with by the S&C people. It’s been a very long time since Mark Loane and Kefu stood out at 8. The question is will we be able to hold onto him, if he does make it he will be pretty hot property. I disagree with the idea of letting them go to the Northern Hemisphere and then bring them back.
21 Go to commentsBilly Fulton 🤣🤣🤣🤣 garrrmon not even close
13 Go to commentsDoes the AI take into account refs? hahaha Seriously why not have two on field refs to avoid bias?
23 Go to commentsVern challenging this Blues side might be the edge they need to fulfill their potential. Convincing results from strong D and strong carries are hard to argue against.
1 Go to commentsLove seems to add a strong back field defense with speed to close the gap and tackle to his ability to attack, kick and pass (an accurate long pass). This sets him an edge over some of the other names - JRK in particular. Has to be said that Jordan and Stevenson have also been exposed defensively while Love has yet to face test match intensity. Spoilt for choice.
1 Go to commentsHe’s strung together a few strong seasons, I’d like to see him in the ABs and build some depth along with Reiko and ALB. Levi Aumua hasn’t taken the step we hoped to see but time yet.
2 Go to commentsWhere has our good friend Pecos gone!? Similar place to the Crusaders D, the abyss.
4 Go to comments