Nothing excites like a Test against Boks in SA – former NZ captain

Former All Blacks skipper Sam Cane is relishing the opportunity to tackle the Springboks when New Zealand and the world champions clash in the 2024 The Rugby Championship.

The Kiwis went unbeaten through their July internationals against England and Fiji and will now turn their attention to defending their Rugby Championship title for the fifth year in a row.

Scott Robertson’s All Blacks get their campaign underway with two home games against Argentina, before travelling to South Africa for the much-anticipated double-header against the Boks.

Recalled to the squad for the start of the southern hemisphere competition, the 32-year-old Cane is excited about the upcoming challenge.

“I’m really excited about the makeup of The Rugby Championship this year, and a couple of Tests at home versus Argentina.

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“[But] nothing excites me more than South Africa in South Africa.

“It’s one of the ultimate challenges as an All Black. There’s some massive test matches coming up. Whatever my role is to be played on behalf of the team, I’ll look forward to that.”

Cane’s inclusion provides Robertson with a seasoned campaigner as the All Blacks build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Despite announcing his retirement from Test rugby after 2024, the veteran loose forward is eager to contribute.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting to be named. I mentally prepared myself that if I got named, it would be a bonus,” Cane said.

“But I was equally prepared to go and spend a season with Bay of Plenty. I wasn’t expecting it, but I knew I was in with a shot. As part of mentally preparing for it, I played out both scenarios in my head. But once you get named, I’m pretty stoked.”

With 95 Tests under his belt, Cane is within reach of becoming the 13th All Black to achieve 100 caps, a milestone he acknowledges but does not dwell on.

“Each Test is earned, and I’m focused on contributing to the team,” he stated.