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Justin Newman and Prince Gaoseb of Namibia approach Sam Cane during the World Cup match in Japan last year. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
If an operation on his neck had not been a success in South Africa in 2018, Sam Cane could have been watching the All Blacks from a wheelchair.
It’s a sobering reminder of the dangerous occupation that the new All Blacks captain, a 68-test flanker, signed up for when he joined the Chiefs as a professional in 2011.
Fake images The Chiefs’ Sam Cane talks to the referee during round six of the Super Rugby game against the Waratahs at WIN Stadium in Wollongong this year. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
A collision with Springboks rower Francois Louw in Pretoria in October 2018 left Cane in considerable pain and, in retrospect, he admitted that he should not have left the field at Loftus Versfeld because if the fracture in his side neck would have been aggravated could have been paralyzed.
After surgery, a few days later, Cane said he was grateful that his massive neck has helped save him from serious injury because “he couldn’t stand without it.”
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Cane, 28, doesn’t lack courage. He returned to work in 2019 and was selected for the All Blacks team for the World Cup in Japan.
On Tuesday night, All Blacks coach Ian Foster confirmed that Cane would replace Kieran Read as his captain, preferring the Bay of Plenty product over the more experienced Sam Whitelock.
Having captained the All Blacks three times previously, and been involved in the role of the Chiefs, Cane is well versed in what it takes to lead men on the rugby field.
Having to deal with adversity, something that proved he was capable of handling when he returned to the sport after his neck injury, is no stranger to him.
Being the captain of the All Blacks will carry additional responsibilities, one and out of the park, and he accepts that he must be prepared for criticism.
Fake images Sam Cane, Beauden Barrett and Scott Barrett meet in the New Zealand locker room after the World Cup quarterfinals in Tokyo last year. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
“Anyone who says that (the critical comments) don’t affect them at all probably lies because nobody wants to read or hear unpleasant things,” Cane said. “You must remind yourself who is important in your life and who is important in your rugby career.
“It is not the people who write the articles.”
Whether he will have a chance to lead the All Blacks in 2020 is shrouded in uncertainty.
Cane agrees that the July tests against Wales and Scotland will surely be ruled out and the Rugby Championship is also expected to be canceled, replaced by tests between the All Blacks and Wallabies later in the year.
Super Rugby, followed by the Miter 10 Cup with a North v South match included, is likely to be on the agenda, if the government allows the country to go to level two alert.
Foster, who is signed until the end of 2021 but hopes that his New Zealand Rugby masters will extend the deal when a review is presented, is optimistic that Cane can lead the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup in France.
Cane says he doesn’t think the high-profile role won’t change him, noting that his rural roots in Bay of Plenty have helped him stay steady throughout his career.
Fake images Ardie Savea leads and All Blacks attacks with Sam Cane in support. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
“I think it certainly helps to be a little boy deep down. I remember growing up, just because you were one of the best rugby players on the team didn’t mean too much because anyone could be selected for the Reporoa 1st XV.
“You could appear mid-season on Thursday. Those kinds of things certainly help. Once again, going back to my parents (Kathy and Malcolm), they are humble people who are deeply rooted and have installed those values.
“I would like to think that I have been selected for this role by the person that I am and that is why I don’t really want to change.”
Learning the leadership role of Richie McCaw and Read should also empower Cane, and he said he will seek their advice in the future.
“I hope that my actions on and off the field are what people want to follow. I like being someone who listens to other people’s opinions and thoughts; that encourages people to speak their minds.
“And I like being someone who gets along well with much of the team, connects with the younger guys, and doesn’t take himself too seriously.”
“Laugh and try turning it on and off.”
