Sam Cane, a former All Blacks captain, was part of Scott Robertson’s extended squad at the test season launch in Upper Hutt.
Cane, along with Will Jordan and Josh Lord, was part of the group assembled at the NZCIS complex for a signing session and media opportunity in preparation for the first test against England in Dunedin.
Cane and Jordan were not initially named in Robertson’s 32-man squad, with Samisoni Taukei’aho and Cam Roigard being unavailable due to injury.
Cane’s inclusion in the launch indicates that he may be part of new coach Robertson’s plans. The All Blacks are scheduled to play 14 tests this season, and the attrition rate is likely to be high, even with a crowded loose forward picture.
New vice-captain Jordie Barrett said he was “extremely privileged” to be part of the All Blacks leadership setup.
Beauden Barrett, who captained the side in a 2017 match against the Barbarians, expressed his happiness to be back in the All Blacks environment after a season playing in the Japanese Rugby League One for Toyota Verblitz.
He was proud of his brother Jordie’s elevation to vice-captain and said he would be right behind him, supporting him.
