Taupō rugby fans were treated this afternoon with the All Blacks captain making his long-awaited return to rugby. The step forward for Sam Cane was also a step back into the past.
The Rams rookie was quick to get into things and up to his usual antics at the breakdown.
“In terms of the contact and rugby instincts and blowing some cobwebs out it was perfect,” Cane said.
The 74-Test flanker was only meant to play 40 minutes, but there was no complaining when he ran on again after half time.
His 58 minutes surely an encouraging sign his chest injury is ready for the challenge of a northern tour.
Cane flies out on Thursday to join the All Blacks a world away from Saturday's Heartland experience.
“I stayed 25 mins down the road at mum and dad's last night dad drove me in, dropped me off so it's been awesome, I've played on this ground a fair few times growing up, it’s good to be back.”
While King Country were outclassed by Whanganui, this game won't be forgotten by the rams anytime soon. It'll always be the day they got to call an All Blacks captain one of their own.
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