News for Cane positive after operation on neck
WELLINGTON: Sam Cane is up and walking around after having surgery to repair a broken bone in his neck, and is expected to make a full recovery, All Blacks management said yesterday.
The 26yearold suffered the injury during the New Zealand’s 3230 victory over South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday.
All Blacks doctor Tony Page said on Sunday Cane would probably be out of action for at least three months, and coach Steve Hansen said they would not rush his return to the field.
‘‘Sam Cane is up and about after his successful operation in South Africa,’’ the All Blacks said on their Twitter account, which also had a photo of the flanker standing up and wearing a neck brace.
‘‘Sam would like to thank everyone for all the support he has received from around the world. He is set to make a full recovery.’’
Hansen received further good news yesterday, that a trio of injured frontrowers are expected to return to the field this week.
Hooker Dane Coles has not played since rupturing knee ligaments against France on last year’s endofseason tour, while tighthead prop Nepo Laulala was sidelined after breaking his arm during Super Rugby, an injury that required surgery.
Coles is expected to make a cameo appearance for Wellington against Taranaki tomorrow, and Laulala is to return for Counties Manukau against Canterbury the following day.
Laulala is likely to face fellow All Blacks prop Joe Moody, who broke his thumb against Australia on August 25, in the clash in Christchurch on Saturday.
If all three come through their games unscathed they are expected to be included in Hansen’s squad for an endofseason tour with tests against Australia, Japan, England, Ireland and Italy.
The All Blacks face Australia in the third Bledisloe Cup match in Yokohama on October 27 then take on 2019 Rugby World Cup host Japan in Tokyo on November 3. — Reuters
The New Zealand Breakers begin their NBL campaign tonight against the Brisbane Bullets.
Jeff Cheshire looks at how the team is shaping up for the season.
Gains
Corey Webster, Jarrad Weeks, Tai Wesley, Majok Majok, Armani Moore, Patrick Richard, Shawn Long.
Losses
Mika Vukona, Alex Pledger, Rob Loe, Kirk Penney, DJ Newbill, Edgar Sosa, Rakeem Christmas.
Returning
Shea Ili, Tom Abercrombie, Finn Delany, Jordan Ngatai.
Key players
Corey Webster
An elite scorer whose quick shot release and ability to create separation from his defender makes him tough to stop. If he keeps his offcourt life in check, he will be very valuable.
Shawn Long
A dynamic and wellrounded big man who brings NBA experience to the side.
Southern connections
Weeks, Delany and development player Tom Vodanovich all turned out for the Southland Sharks this year.
Max de Geest, another development player, is originally from Oamaru and attended Waitaki Boys’ High School before moving to Christchurch.
Strengths
There is plenty of depth and versatility on this roster. Kiwis Webster and Ili team with Weeks, Moore and Richard to form a dynamic backcourt which can push the pace. It would not be a surprise to see three of that group on court together often.
A newlook front court looks far more dynamic than last year, although a lot smaller. That should lend itself to a fastpaced game, so expect a lot of small ball.
Weaknesses
Size is the big one, although the franchise have given that up to play a faster game.
There are still plenty of capable rebounders in this side, while Long and Wesley are both offensive post threats. Post defence will be the biggest area in which this team could end up being exposed.
Outlook
This team is capable of doing well and should make the playoffs, although it will have to go through strong Sydney and Melbourne teams to win the whole thing.