Sam Cane eyes 'ultimate challenge' in South Africa
SPOTLIGHT: Sam Cane will be hoping that he can impress Scott Robertson over the next few weeks and win a spot on the playing field against the Springboks at the end of August.
The former captain was included in New Zealand’s Rugby Championship squad on Sunday, despite announcing that he’ll retire from the international game at the end of this year when he will take up a long-term Japanese club deal with Sungoliath.
The 32-year-old’s last Test was the World Cup Final loss to South Africa in Paris last October when he was sent off in the first half for a high tackle, leaving his team facing a mountainous task.
After two home Tests against Argentina to start this year’s Rugby Championship, the All Blacks will head to South Africa to face the Springboks on August 31 (Johannesburg) and September 7 (Cape Town).
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32 becomes 36 🤝🏻
A few returning faces alongside new cap Ruben Love who joins the squad for The Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7FFcAnEwrL
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 28, 2024
“I suppose it feels a little bit like the first time,” Cane told New Zealand media after Sunday’s squad announcement.
“[Like] anyone who’s been around and played with the All Blacks for a few years, you never take it for granted.
“It’s hard to put into words exactly how special it is. Every time, it’s a little bit different because of the journey or what’s required to get there.
“In this case, it’s been a lot of hours by myself, working away.
“I’ve been there and done it before, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”
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After last year’s World Cup Final, Cane will also be eager to right some wrongs against the Springboks.
“I’m really excited about the make-up of the Rugby Championship this year and a couple of Tests at home versus Argentina.
“Nothing excites me more than South Africa in South Africa.
“It’s one of the ultimate challenges as an All Black.
“There’s some massive Test matches coming up. Whatever my role is to be played on behalf of the team, I’ll look forward to that.”
Despite being in contact with Robertson, Cane admitted that it was still a surprise to be included in the squad.
“[Robertson] said my focus was to get back fit and available and prove that I’m ready to go,” said Cane.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting to be named. I mentally prepared myself that if I got named, it would be a bonus.
“But I was equally prepared to go and spend a season with Bay of Plenty.
“I wasn’t expecting it, but I knew I was in with a shot.
“As part of mentally preparing for it, I played out both scenarios in my head. But once you get named, I’m pretty stoked.”
