All Blacks veteran Sam Cane insists his late run of selection favour hasn't wavered his decision to step away from the national team this year.
The former captain has signed a three-year contract with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath, effectively removing himself from the national programme under new coach Scott Robertson.
The drums seemed to be beating for Cane's exit, when Robertson took the reins and named lock Scott Barrett as skipper, with Dalton Papali'i looming as a readymade replacement in the No.7 jersey.
Needing just a handful of games to bring up his century in black, Cane made himself available this year and has been thrust back into the starting line-up, after an injury sidelined Papali'i.
The former captain will likely bring up 100 Tests this week. (Source: 1News)
If required, he will reach his personal century against Australia this weekend.
His recent run of form has reminded detractors that the previously maligned captain is still a pretty handy player without that burden of leadership.
That realisation hasn't persuaded him to delay or cancel his departure.
"As it's turned out, I've managed to get a few Test matches under the belt, which has been super special and made me really appreciate every opportunity I've had," he said.
"I haven't had any second thoughts. There were a lot of conversation leading up to the decision to sign three years with Suntory, so I'm happy and content with where we've got to."
Beyond Saturday's Rugby Championship finale, Cane admits he hasn't considered his availability for the end-of-year northern hemisphere tour and isn't biting on the prospect of a return, if offshore players become eligible for selection.
"I don't have any expectations," he said of the northern trek. "Part of being an All Black for a long time is it's pretty risky territory to have expectations of the team and jersey.
"Nothing's given or promised, you've got to earn it. I honestly haven't thought about the end-of-year tour.
"Absolutely, if I'm picked and they see value in having me there, I'd love to continue representing the All Blacks throughout the rest of the year, but no expectations."
A familiar theme under Robertson has been his desire to change selection criteria to retain the services of veteran players now contracted overseas. Lock Sam Whitelock, halfback Aaron Smith and first-five Richie Mo'unga have been the most common names on that wishlist, but Cane's may become another target next year.
"If's not possible at the moment, so I haven't thought about it," Cane chuckled. "If the time comes, I'd consider it, but I have a young family now — two young boys — and a part of me is looking forward to spending more time of time with them in Japan."
Over his 12-year career, Cane has seen several teammates reach the '100' club, headed by Whitelock's record 153 in last year's World Cup final.
"You need a bit of luck along the way to get to 100," he mused. "The first 50 came reasonably quickly, without too much trouble, but this next 50, I've had to be patient.
"It's tested me a wee bit more, with a few road bumps, but it will be really nice to look back on in time and crack that club."
Playing openside flanker has put Cane squarely in the contact zone and taken a toll on his body, famously leaving him with a broken neck against South Africa in 2018. It has also drawn more than his share of referees' attention, notably his red — also against the Springboks — in the World Cup final defeat.
Cane copped much of the flak directed at former coach Ian Foster, who had elevated him to the captaincy under his watch.
"When I look back, rugby's a pretty good teacher of life and resilience — its ups and downs — and you just have to pick yourself up and carry on," he reflected. "All those challenges have tested my resilience at times, but I've been able to keep things in perspective and I'm really grateful for the opportunities rugby has given me on the field, but also the opportunity to grow up as a man.
"From a 20-year-old making a debut and not knowing much about anything to now being 32, and constantly learning and evolving... it's been awesome."
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