Sam Cane: All Blacks skipper says the pressure is still on for his team
All Blacks captain Sam Cane is staying grounded after their strong performance against the Springboks last time out, as his side looks to build back into form.
New Zealand bounced back from three consecutive losses by beating the Springboks 35-23 in Johannesburg, restoring some faith in coach Ian Foster and his team.
However, Cane knows that one good performance does not mean his side is out of the woods as they look ahead to two Tests at home against Michael Cheika’s resurgent Los Pumas side.
Pressure on
The skipper knows the pressure is still on, and there have been no changes in that regard despite the positive win at Ellis Park.
“No, I don’t think so. It hasn’t changed too much in terms of that,” Cane told Stuff.
“It is always enjoyable coming to work. It’s a privilege to play in this team, preparing to play Test matches and represent our country.
“That doesn’t change. It’s one performance isn’t it? Just because we got that one right, it doesn’t guarantee we are going to get this one right.
“So there is plenty of work to go into this week, as well.”
Cane has been under tremendous pressure himself this year and dealt with it by focusing on the things that he could control.
“I suppose the importance is to be able to control your attention and focus and not let it stray into things that you can’t control or aren’t important,” he said.
“Sometimes that is easier said than done.”
Since Cheika took over as coach, Los Pumas have been growing with each game and pose a different task than before, something Cane is under no illusions of.
“I reckon they (Argentina) are one of the best defensive sides in the world, when they get it right,” Cane said. “They can cause us trouble at the breakdown, and if we don’t kick well and have a good chase-line, they can spread the ball really well.”
Schmidt’s influence
The rise in the All Blacks‘ form saw Foster being backed by New Zealand Rugby, with astute rugby mind Joe Schmidt joining the coaching staff.
All Blacks star Jordie Barrett says that Schmidt has already been a presence in the camp and looks forward to gaining knowledge from the coach.
“From the 48 hours I’ve seen of Joe, he certainly hasn’t eased his way back into training. He’s a confident coach, and he watches a lot of clips,” Barrett told Stuff.
“It’s only been 48 hours, but it’s been positive. It’s early doors, and I’ll be looking to pick his brain like the rest of the coaches and help prepare the best I can.”
READ MORE: Isa Nacewa: Joe Schmidt will add massively to the All Blacks
