Chiefs consider Cane for No 8
Gatland’s gun will get chances to play off back of pack to provide options
When the final whistle blew in the All Blacks’ last match of the Rugby World Cup, it brought with it more uncertainty than closure. With a host of incumbent players moving on, the opportunity will be there for others to stake their claims to the open roles, or show they can cover there if need be, with the No 8 jersey front and centre.
But it won’t just be the specialist No 8s who want to show their ability in the role. This season, the Chiefs will flirt with moving openside flanker Sam Cane to the back.
It won’t be a permanent option for the side, and might not be seen all that frequently, however Chiefs forwards coach Neil Barnes said it had been discussed.
“It’s not a definite No 8,” Barnes said of Cane. “It’s certainly something he and I have talked about. It will help us, and it will help him develop his game and it will be another asset for us to have someone who can play No 8 if they have to.”
With the 2020 season in the not too distant future, the Chiefs will look to solve the puzzle of their forward pack. The departures of No 8 Taleni Seu, who was out injured for the majority of 2019, and lock Brodie Retallick have opened gaps in coach Warren Gatland’s side.
What the side doesn’t lack are loose forwards who can play across either the second or back row of the pack. Towards the end of last season, Pita Gus Sowakula, Tyler Ardron and Luke Jacobson all saw time in the No 8 jersey, with Ardron spending time at lock and Mitch Brown being able to move freely from the loose forwards to lock.
“Having people like Tyler Ardron and Mitch Brown who are seasoned campaigners and play in the loose forwards or lock means we’re got flexibility to do what’s needed.”
The No 8 role will be an interesting area to keep an eye on throughout the season as players look to get the first shot in the vacant All Blacks’ role. Hurricanes star Ardie Savea is set to play at the back of the scrum this season with Vaea Fifita on the blindside, while a consistent season could see either Highlanders’ Shannon Frizell or Blues stalwart Akira Ioane make a play for it.
No 8 contenders for the All Blacks Ardie Savea (Hurricanes)
Covered well for Kieran Read and might have the inside running for now, but almost by default. He’s a ball of energy rather than the commanding presence All Blacks 8s are known for. His speed off the scrum is a weapon and he has test experience.
Akira Ioane (Blues)
Has it all, in theory. But the old All Blacks regime made it clear where he fails, work rate being the general issue. Ioane is a devastating runner with the perfect size and athleticism for No 8. Has everything to play for — can he find the necessary desperation to convince the selectors?
Sam Cane (Chiefs)
Will play some No 8 for the Chiefs but better known as an openside flanker. Would be more of a stop-gap whereas the All /Blacks will want to build for the 2023 World Cup. His leadership is made for No 8, but he lacks lineout height and scrum acceleration.
Luke Jacobson (Chiefs)
There’s no doubt about his ability and toughness, but concussion concerns remain after he was pulled out of the World Cup. A jack of all trades with test No 8 potential — will be fascinating to see how new Chiefs boss Gatland deploys him.
Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)
Showed promising glimpses at the World Cup, and the blindside flanker
has a bit of No 8 experience with the Highlanders. A wonderful athlete with skills, but he has yet to convince as a test warrior. Departed All Blacks coach Steve Hansen never seemed to have total faith in him.
Whetukamokamo Douglas (Crusaders)
Douglas has a chance to stand out in a Crusaders pack hit by the departure of All Black stalwarts. Any forward from the Crusaders system is worth test consideration, such is their production line of quality over the years. Opportunity to shine in what may be a defining season for player and club.
Niko Jones
The St Peters schoolboy superstar from Auckland has initially chosen the sevens route, but his eventual entry into the XV ranks will cause a lot of excitement. Stay tuned.