Cane poised to lose captaincy – report
Pressure is mounting on the All Blacks after another report that Sam Cane could be set to lose the captaincy for the two-test trip to South Africa as fallout continues from the Ireland series loss.
Earlier this week, Stuff indicated that a potential scenario would be Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock taking over the leadership for the Rugby Championship openers against the Springboks in early August, with Joe Schmidt slotting into a hands-on role on Ian Foster’s coaching team.
The Otago Daily Times reported yesterday that a source had confirmed Cane could be replaced by Whitelock in a squad announcement today.
The naming of the Rugby Championships squads – generally announced immediately after early season tests – has been delayed this week due to NZ Rugby’s review into the 2-1 Irish series setback.
The official reason has been that more time was needed to assess some players’ injury status, but All Blacks management has been unable to confirm to Stuff when the team will be announced.
The delay may also have conveniently allowed more time for the All Blacks to sort out any changes to the captaincy or coaching mix.
A Stuff report indicated Southland and Highlanders loosehead
prop Ethan de Groot was a likely callup to the squad, and Crusaders No8 Cullen Grace could be added to the loose forwards.
The Otago Daily Times report speculated the pair were on the brink of joining the All Blacks, who are due to assemble in Auckland
on Monday to prepare for the flight to Johannesburg.
Grace, who made his All Blacks’ debut against Australia in November 2020, is not part of the Canterbury squad for today’s preseason game against the Tasman Mako in Hanmer Springs. He could be resting from his Mā ori
All Blacks labours – or packing for a South African safari.
Adding Grace to the backrow would give the All Blacks another specialist No 8, alongside 10-test Blues player Hoskins Sotutu, who was not used against Ireland.
More options at No8 would allow Ardie Savea – the All
Blacks’ standout in the Irish series – to play at openside flanker in place of Cane, who failed against Ireland to match his All Blacks impact of old.
The All Blacks play the world champion Springboks in Mbombela on August 7 and in Johannesburg a week later.