Sam Cane will captain the All Blacks for just the second time in his International career, and it caps off a remarkable return to the squad in recent weeks.
Steve Hansen has rung the changes big time, but insists that they come not as a result of the shock 40-29 loss to Ireland. Just three men have remained in the starting line up from Chicago, they being Sam Cane, Waisake Naholo, and Patrick Tuipolutu.
Sam Cane To Captain The All Blacks For Second Time
Cane, 24, has been given a special role and responsibility for the Italian clash.
Cane will captain the side for just the second time, remember back to the clash against Namibia at last years Rugby World Cup. It’s been a tough few months for Cane after suffering a serious injury against Argentina in Hamilton, and it would send the experienced flanker all the way back to Mitre 10 Cup rugby level.
To turn around so quickly and be leading the All Blacks just weeks later shows how much faith the All Black selectors have in the 24-year old.
Cane, a regular selection in the All Blacks when fit, said during the week that he his hurting from the loss to Ireland. But he has the support of his fellow teammates, all of whom say that Cane will be the style of captain that leads from his actions on the field.
All Blacks Promise To Not Forget Losing Feeling
Aaron Cruden, a long time friend of Cane’s, said that he has full faith in Cane as a leader of rugby’s most discussed team. Cruden and Cane were Chiefs co-captains together during Super Rugby this year and get on well off the field.
“It’s about going out there and filling the black jersey the best we can”#TeamAllBlacks #ITAvNZL #VistaTour pic.twitter.com/LoZNd09Wsv
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 11, 2016
Cruden also revealed what Kieran Read, the usual All Black captain, had to say to the squad following the loss to Ireland. Read told the side, “make sure we don’t forget this feeling” in the sheds at Soilder Field.
For many in the All Blacks, this was the first time that defeat had been tasted. Read urged the squad to use the shock defeat as motivation to ensure it never happens again.
Italy Look For Their First Win Over All Blacks
The All Blacks and Italy have played each other 12 times, with the most recent Test occurring in 2012 in Rome, the All Blacks winning that one 42-10.
Saturday’s clash will be the 550th Test for the All Blacks who carry a famous legacy into the match. For Italy, they will be looking for their first ever win against the World Champions, and what better stage to do it than in front of their adoring home fans in Rome.
