Scott Robertson on why the All Blacks ‘need’ Sam Cane against Springboks

Coach Scott Robertson expects former captain Sam Cane to be “that Test veteran we need” on Saturday evening when the All Blacks take on the Springboks in Johannesburg. Cane has been named in the All Blacks’ starting side for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final.

Cane told RugbyPass earlier this week that there’s “nothing personal” about this Test. The backrower was just eager for another opportunity to take on the world champion Springboks and he’ll get that chance at the formidable cauldron that is Ellis Park.

The 2015 Rugby World Cup winner returned to the international arena a couple of weeks ago after being named on the bench in New Zealand’s clash with Argentina in Auckland. Cane didn’t look out of place off the pine, finishing as one of the game leaders for tackles completed.

That was stage one in Cane’s competitive return to the international arena. Before retiring from Test rugby at the end of the year, the openside flanker can play more important parts in helping the All Blacks build towards greatness under coach Robertson.

Cane will wear the famed No. 7 jersey on Saturday evening. The openside flanker joins Ethan Blackadder and Ardie Savea in a formidable backrow trio, while Dalton Papali’i has been ruled out of the highly anticipated Test with an injury.

“Sam has been incredible off the field for us. Now’s an opportunity for him to be that Test veteran we need in the Highveld; all that experience and that calmness but also really good, tough shoulders,” Robertson told reporters on Thursday.

“We’re excited for him.

“Dalton’s got a bit of a thumb injury which ruled him out but there’s not much in it. Dalton played really, really well but we thought that was best for this Test and combinations.

“Obviously, Ethan’s (Blackadder) in great form and you’ve got Ardie Savea out there so it’s a good balanced loose forward trio.”

Robertson and the other coaches have selected an All Blacks team that doesn’t really include any big surprises. Whether or not Cane was going to get a start was a potential point of discussion, but the rest of the 23 almost seemed to pick itself.

Tamati Williams is a logical replacement for the injured Ethan de Groot at loosehead prop, and selecting the in-form Tupou Vaa’i ahead of Sam Darry at lock is another sensible decision. TJ Perenara is at nine, Jordie Barrett at 12, and brother Beauden Barrett will line up at fullback.

With experienced campaigners Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Anton Lienert-Brown also set to provide some impact off the pine, this seems to be a team that ticks a lot of boxes. There’s experience across the park and as ‘Razor’ Robertson explained, that’ll be important.

“It’s an iconic field, the ground, the whole experience. You want to have experienced it before, as many players as you possibly can because it’s going to help you in those times of need,” Robertson said.

“(There’s) going to be some tough moments out there as we know.

“That composure and tone of voice and the next action word that’s required that they’ll deliver it but also deliver themselves and they know what it takes.”