Cane more than able in 2015

Chiefs and All Blacks flanker Sam Cane is looking for a big season in 2015 – and it's come as no surprise to those that know him.

In a 2014 campaign blighted by injuries, his best sequence of play saw Cane manage just 10 successive games.


Chiefs and All Black flanker Sam Cane tackles Crusaders lock Dominic Bird during a 2014 Super Rugby clash at Waikato Stadium. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

But having rested up after the traditional extra break awarded to All Blacks who made the end-of-season tour, the 23-year-old returned to work this week already sensing a steeling of attitude among the squad representing the two-time Investec Super Rugby champions this year.

'We were disappointed to finish fifth after our two previous years,” says Cane.

'But the boys look to be in pretty good nick. There is some good new talent and they are very fit. There have been a lot of new personal bests and Chiefs records in our testing.”

As for himself, Cane was able to switch off from rugby during December and enjoy a good break before starting to turn on the preparation work from January 1.

Cane also steps up in the seniority stakes among the loose forwards in the side with the departure of Tanerau Latimer from the franchise.

'It will be the first time since my professional debut with the Steamers that Tanerau has not been there,” he adds.

'Our leaders are getting younger with the changes that have been made but, fortunately, those leaders have come through the ranks with our coaches.”

With that in mind, Cane is pleased that head coach Dave Rennie has also decided to renew his contract until 2017. 'He is an outstanding coach who has the respect of all the players,” Cane adds.

Looking at this year's Chiefs line-up, Cane says there would be some changes in approach from the side, largely because of the increase in size in the backline with Hosea Gear, Seta Tamanivalu and the return of All Black Sonny Bill Williams.

Last year the reduced size resulted in some changes in options, but recruitment for this season has seen the side go from one extreme to the other to the point where the Chiefs were fielding one of the bigger backlines in the competition.

Up front it would be the same as always with the Chiefs forwards, and while there were some new faces in the tight, they had been working hard and had a high work rate.

'It is a big help that half the side knew what it took to win and that would be useful in the 2015 quest,” adds Cane

'Knowing what it takes to win means that it is important that everyone, from the squad players through to the starting reserves to the team on the field, is involved so that everyone felt they are connected.

'There is nothing better than having the two best XVs running around in training, taking each other on and putting the pressure on for inclusion in the starting side.”

While the Rugby World Cup is an obvious goal in the minds of all players this year, the competition will start in the midst of another World Cup - the cricket version - and Cane admits there would be plenty of interest in how New Zealand was performing in that.

'Some of our boys really love their cricket,” he adds, 'and the television sets in the training base will be tuned to games. There are already plans to be at the games when they are in Hamilton.”

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