All Blacks: Scott Robertson reveals key reasons for the return of ‘big Test veteran’ Sam Cane
Sam Cane returns to the starting XV for the first time since the World Cup final.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has explained his rationale for picking ex-captain Sam Cane in the starting XV, sighting his experience as a crucial factor.
Cane has 96 caps for the All Blacks, and has helped his nation win one World Cup and also led his team to another final last year.
The Chiefs back-rower has struggled with injuries since the final in Paris, but returned to the side from the bench against Argentina in round two, will mark his full All Blacks return this weekend as he replaces Dalton Papali’i in the starting XV to face the Springboks.
What Sam Cane brings
Commenting on the decision to bring Cane back into his starting side, Robertson said: “Sam has been incredible off the field for us. Now it’s the opportunity for him to be the big Test veteran that we need on the Highveld. All that experience and calmness but also has nice tough shoulders so we are really excited for him.”
He also detailed Papali’i, who has started four of the past five Tests but is ruled out with an injury.
“Dalton (Papali’i) has a thumb injury which ruled him out, but there’s not much in it,” Robertson explained.
“Dalton played really well but we thought this was best for this Test. The combination, Ethan (Blackadder) is in really good form and we’ve got Ardie Savea so it’s a well-balanced loose forward trio.”
The former skipper will have a huge point to prove at Ellis Park this weekend too, after he was sent off in the heart-breaking 12-11 defeat to the same opposition in last year’s World Cup final.
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Building combinations
Another experienced head backed to start at Ellis Park is TJ Perenara, who retains his place over impressive youngster Cortez Ratima.
Perenara has come under fire for his performances in the starting side under Robertson, but put in an improved display in the 42-10 victory over Los Pumas in round two.
He also partners Damian McKenzie again in the halves, and Robertson detailed how he wants to keep this combination together.
“We’re finding the combination of TJ starting and Cortez coming on has a really good balance for us,” Robertson said.
“It doesn’t mean it’s always going to be that way, but we’re also trying to keep combinations together so TJ is passing to DMac and we can keep combinations together as much as we can.”
The pair have started three of the five games in the Razor era together in the halves, but Ratima and McKenzie also have a good connection from the Chiefs, so Perenara knows a big game is needed to keep his spot in the side.
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“Taken on the feedback to be a starting All Black”
Another player who has come under increased scrutiny under Robertson is Rieko Ioane. The Blues back is in inconsistent form, and hasn’t been able to hit the levels we expect of him in midfield thus far.
Explaining the decision to keep Ioane in the squad, Robertson said he’s taken on the feedback the coaches have given him.
“Rieko (Ioane) has been around a long time, and he’s taken on the feedback to be a starting All Blacks and we’re seeing enough of it,” he added.
Ioane also faces strong competition for his spot in the starting side. Anton Lienert-Brown made a good account of himself despite the defeat to Argentina in round one, and Billy Proctor also impressed on his debut against Fiji.
Commenting on the tough choices at 13, Robertson said: “It’s small margins. I’ve told the boys how tough this team is to pick, and it’s great for us as a coaching group.”
