Sam Cane’s impending retirement from worldwide rugby modifications the outlook for the well-known All Blacks No. 7 jersey transferring ahead, one thing that’s positive to excite the following technology of flankers coming by way of the ranks.
One man who has been rubbing shoulders with Cane within the All Blacks atmosphere and even pushing the captain for minutes is the Blues’ Dalton Papali’i.
The flanker now has over 30 All Blacks caps to his title, and will probably be one of many main contenders to succeed Cane in Richie McCaw’s outdated jersey.
But even with his seven years of All Blacks experience, the 26-year-old is wary of uncapped players enjoying career-best form around the country.
“It brings the best out of everyone,” Papali’i said of the competition for All Blacks selection. “Peter Lakai and Du’Plessis Kirifi are coming through and really pushing the boundaries so that makes everyone better.”
While Papali’i is a leading contender for a promotion to the starting unit against England in July, the form of his Blues teammate Hoskins Sotutu is also a threat to that ambition, as the No. 8 could push reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea back to his former No. 7 jersey.
Luke Jacobson has also recently re-adopted the openside flanker role to make way for Wallace Sititi at No. 8 for the Chiefs, and Ethan Blackadder has made a similar shift to No. 7 as Christian Lio-Willie returned from injury for the Crusaders.
Reflecting on Cane specifically, Papali’i said the captain’s resilience was second to none.
“Getting to play with Sam, and seeing the character and man he is, it’s a privilege to be in a team with him.
“I’ve always had good competition with him, and he’s brought the best out of me.
“We’re good mates as well and it’s going to be a sad day seeing all the so-called legends of the game go.”
Throughout his years of competition and camaraderie with the Super Rugby and World Cup winner, there were many lessons Papali’i credited Cane for.
“The main thing for seven [flanker] is just not taking a backward step, simply throwing your self into contact and stepping into collisions…He epitomised what a seven was and what it was to be an All Blacks captain and 7.”
The latest contest that proved Cane’s character was the Rugby World Cup quarter-final in opposition to Eire final October. Cane accomplished a game-high 22 tackles, three of which have been dominant and the skipper additionally claimed two breakdown steals.
“We knew that recreation was vital, and the best way we gained it in all probability goes down as one in every of my favorite video games of all time. And particularly for Sam after his journey over the past couple of years after which having a efficiency like that simply goes to point out what man he’s. Large respect to him.”