Complacency almost cost us at Murrayfield - Cane
Sam Cane has warned Wales that New Zealand plan to finish their 2017 programme on a high after being below par against Scotland.
The All Blacks survived a late scare to beat Scotland 22-17 on Saturday and remain unbeaten on their end- of- year European tour.
Cane admitted New Zea - land almost paid the price for their complacency at Murrayfield, but promised that it would not happen again in Cardiff on Saturday.
“Saturday was a reminder that every team we are up against is going out there to play the game of their lives and we need to be at a really high standard,” Cane said.
“We turned up and maybe our attitude was just a fraction off against Scotland. It does not take much and we will be making sure this week we are exactly where we need to be.”
New Zealand’s visit to the Principality Stadium marks the end of a busy year for the All Blacks. This will be the 16 th game of 2017 for Steve Hans en’ s side, with New Zealand so far having won 12, drawn one and lost two.
“We are really keen to finish the season on the right note,” Cane said. “It would be awesome to sit in the sheds on Saturday and feel really proud about how we went.”
New Zealand head coach Hansen has refused to be draw non his rivalry with Wales counter part Warren G at land after the pair crossed swords on the British and Irish Lions’ tour last summer.
But Cane said the focus on the two coaches would not affect the All Blacks’ buildup. “Steve is one of the most competitive people I have come up against,” Cane said.
“I do not think it matters who we are playing. I have not got any inkling from him he is treating it any differently to a normal Test.”