Newly re-committed All Black Sam Cane has admitted how important winning Rugby World Cups are for him after announcing his contract extension today - even correcting a reporter on how many times he'd won.
The 25-year-old has signed a four-year extension to stay with New Zealand Rugby having already won a Super Rugby title with the Chiefs and a World Cup with the All Blacks.
The 25-year-old flanker agreed to a four-year extension that keeps him that also keeps him at the Chiefs. (Source: Other)
One reporter wanted to know what was the main thing he wanted to achieve under the new deal since he has already achieved plenty since his professional debut as an 18-year-old seven years ago.
The reporter casually said Cane had won "a couple of World Cups now," - a statement Cane couldn't help but interject and correct straight away.
"Just the one!" he said.
Cane later admitted that solo success two years at the 2015 World Cup in England, while a milestone, also wasn't a wholesome feeling.
"I think, from a player's point of view, there's a difference in being involved in winning a World Cup and playing a major role on the field," he said.
At 23, Sam Cane will become the fifth youngest All Black captain when he leads the side out against Namibia on Friday (NZT). (Source: Other)
"I played in most of the games [in 2015] with just a couple of starts so it takes on a different dynamic.
"It's something I'll be striving for - to play a major role in some of those big games in those big moments."
Cane spent most of the 2015 campaign in the shadow of All Blacks legend Richie McCaw, playing in all seven games at the tournament but only earning the No.7 jersey twice behind the All Blacks captain.
The starting flanker says Savea is more explosive while he's more defence orientated, but it all goes towards one common goal. (Source: Other)
However, since McCaw's retirement after the World Cup, Cane has emerged as coach Steve Hansen's first choice at openside flanker despite competition with teammate Ardie Savea.
Cane has played 49 Tests for the All Blacks since his debut in 2012.
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