On the back of a stellar outing against the Springboks last weekend, All Blacks captain Sam Cane has been commended for his unfailing leadership and determination.
The 30-year-old has captained the side since 2020 and has been integral to their success since his debut in 2012, but has faced ongoing criticism for his form in recent months.
Many believe the leader hasn’t been the same since returning from a near-career-ending broken neck in 2019, but former All Black Steve Devine says “you can’t fault” his recent performances, calling him a “warrior” for responding so well in the face of adversity.
“Sam had a pretty tough Super Rugby campaign and a pretty rough last couple of years but again on form, even against the Irish, jeepers he’s been a warrior,” Devine said on SENZ Mornings.
“I take my hat off to Sam Cane, he’s come in against Ireland and South Africa probably a little bit underdone with time on the field but man, you can’t fault him.
“These last couple of months you just can’t fault him; he stood up as a leader, he’s taken a lot of criticism on the chin, I just think he’s fronted. He’s absolutely fronted on every aspect in the last few weeks.”
Despite leading the side to just two wins in five matches so far this season, Devine has labelled Cane a “remarkable leader” and believes he deserves his starting position as openside flanker.
“I think he’s been a remarkable leader for the team and (it would) be hard to move him at the moment,” Devine added.
“I think he’s everything … he’s just that hard man who has (fronted) in the last few weeks.
“I’ve been amazed in these last five matches, they haven’t gone to plan – four of them (we) lost but again for me, it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about the performance.
“I can’t fault him, I just think he’s been amazing these last couple of weeks.”
Lying at the bottom of the Rugby Championship table, Cane will have to find a way to lift his teammates ahead of their final four matches if they wish to retain their title.
The side will face the Los Pumas on August 27 and September 3 at home before taking on the Wallabies for the Bledisloe Cup in September.