Cane at ease with measured path back
AUCKLAND: Returning to Europe is back to the future for Sam Cane.
From front and centre to the fringes, Cane is content with the patient, realistic approach adopted with his return.
Nine years on from his maiden northern tour, when he started as a 20yearold against Italy in Rome to conclude his rookie test season, Cane feels in a similar space as he gradually works his way back into the All Blacks.
He freely admits he is a long way off peak performance after playing two matches — one for King Country and last week’s test return off the bench against the United States — in the past six months following simultaneous chest and shoulder operations.
He is, though, grateful to be back and appreciative of being afforded time to regain his confidence. The mental shift from leading the All Blacks last year to biding his time appears one Cane is taking in his stride.
While not expected to feature against Wales in this weekend's soldout test in Cardiff, Cane knows he will be better for his measured reintroduction.
‘‘People almost expecting I'd come in and try push for a starting spot straight off the bat probably don't appreciate how tough test match footy is,’’ Cane said after the full All Blacks squad touched down in Cardiff from Washington DC.
‘‘I’m not quite in good enough shape or sharp enough to be playing test match footy right now, that’s for sure.
‘‘My mindset is probably similar to when I first made the squad and knew I was going to get bugger all game time.
‘‘It’s about targeting each day and trying to be better each week, and if I do that I’ll be up to speed reasonably quickly but there’s no expectation or pressure internally from the coaches to pick up where I left off.
‘‘As long as I'm improving every week and hopefully get some game time at some stage we’ll go from there, based off merit.’’
In a non pandemicconsumed world, Cane would have rejoined the All Blacks after several games for Bay of Plenty. Instead, he went from the Heartland Championship to the 10414 rout of the US, and appreciates his next test will require another significant step up.
‘‘It’s a good challenge.
‘‘I’m loving being back among the high standards, the training levels and intensity.
‘‘I’m used to that level, I know what’s required. It's about making sure I can get my body back there doing it as quickly as possible.
‘‘We’ve made a plan to reassess after the Italy game around how things are trucking. There's been no expectations or pressure. We’re just going to take it week by week.’’
In Cane’s absence the All
Blacks have used four captains with Sam Whitelock assuming the leadership mantle from Ardie Savea for the northern tour.
Given the timing of his comeback, Cane is comfortable temporarily handing over the captaincy.
‘‘It’s pretty unique to have so many guys who have captained the team all assembled. It only puts the team in a better place in terms of the leadership overall.
‘‘The squad is creating awesome depth and growth.
‘‘For me it’s nice to come back and just focus on getting back to performing highly without having that added leadership responsibility.
‘‘It's a good commonsense decision. I'm still myself in here; I help out and chip in where I can, but Sammy Whitelock has the big mantle and more responsibility at this stage.’’
Cane made a conscious effort to push aside any worries about reinjuring his shoulder or chest and to suppress potential nerves before his comeback test .
‘‘I loved getting out there. I was surprisingly calm leading up to the game and when I got out there just enjoyed and trusted my rugby ability from the years gone by.
‘‘You never take it for granted pulling on the All Blacks jersey but you certainly appreciate it a little bit more after knowing how much hard work has gone in to get back there.
‘‘The lungs and legs got a workout. There was a little bit of rust in terms of timing but I’m looking forward to another week of training and getting better.’’
Cane can relate to former Chiefs teammate Gareth Anscombe, who is expected to line up for the Wayne Pivacled Wales alongside fellow New Zealanders Johnny McNicholl and Willis Halaholo after playing three matches in the past 25 months after rupturing his ACL.