All Blacks: Scott Robertson smitten after controversial Sam Cane call proves ‘ideal’ after injury crisis

All Blacks boss Scott Robertson felt rather vindicated after naming his updated travelling squad for the northern tour.

This after making the controversial call to include veteran flanker Sam Cane in his touring squad for the clashes against Japan, England, Ireland, France and Italy.

The 32-year-old flanker is set to retire from Test rugby at the end of the current international season ahead of his return to Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath.

In the All Blacks‘ final home game of the year, Cane notched up his 100th appearance in the black jersey, becoming the 13th player to reach the milestone.

Robertson pleased by Cane call

Many believed that should have been the former captain’s final outing for the All Blacks, hoping that Robertson would look to the future beyond Cane during the November internationals.

Alas, that was not to be the case as the All Blacks boss included him and veteran scrum-half TJ Perenara in his touring squad.

“It was always a balance. Having experience, guys that are Test fit, balance of leadership, and what it takes to win up north,” Robertson explained after naming his squad earlier this month.

“When you looked at it, they’ve got a lot of those qualities. They’re in a Test team playing good footy still, it was a really important part of it.

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“And they can build, they are a big part of helping the next players come through and building for the future.”

However, after releasing several All Blacks back to their provincial teams for the NPC, Roberston has found himself in a bit of a sticky situation in the back-row.

This after Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb) and Dalton Papali’i (upper hamstring) all sustained injuries and will not travel with the squad. Back-rower Peter Lakai and lock Josh Lord have been called into the squad in their place.

Speaking after the announcement of the updated squad, Robertson was rather smitten with his decision to include Cane in his initial squad despite the debate it caused at the time.

“It’s ideal and it was for these reasons [that we included Cane] and also he was playing good footy, he knows his way around the north, he’s done it a few times,” Robertson explained.

“It’s good that he can be a part of us, we’re pleased.”

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Praise for Peter Lakai

Turning his attention to the call up of Hurricanes star Lakai, Robertson was full of praise for the 21-year-old who he believes has a bright future in international rugby.

“Peter can play all three [back row positions], he is a hell of a seven or eight, he’s a young kid that has taken all of his opportunities playing great in the NPC, had a great Super Rugby, high minutes and he gets to come away for with us for the All Blacks,” he said.

“He’s someone who’s pretty humble, answering the phone and you can tell he’s got everything that’s required be an All Black, I’m looking forward to see him have a go.”

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