Sam Cane excited about playing Springboks in South Africa

Former New Zealand captain Sam Cane said he is upbeat about the prospect of facing the Springboks in South Africa in the upcoming Rugby Championship campaign.

Cane, who already announced that he will be retiring from international rugby at the end of the year was named in the All Blacks squad by head coach Scott Robertson.

Admitting that he was not confident about his selection, the 32-year-old is now looking to make a mark as New Zealand look to retain the title.

“[Robertson] said my focus was to get back fit and available and prove that I’m ready to go,” said Cane.

“I certainly wasn’t expecting to be named. I mentally prepared myself that if I got named, it would be a bonus.

“But I was equally prepared to go and spend a season with Bay of Plenty.

“I wasn’t expecting it, but I knew I was in with a shot.

“As part of mentally preparing for it, I played out both scenarios in my head. But once you get named, I’m pretty stoked.”

New Zealand will be facing Argentina in the opening two rounds of the competition following which they will head to Emirates Airline Park to renew their rivalry with South Africa.

It will also be the first time the two teams will be facing each other after the thrilling 2023 World Cup final which saw South Africa edge out Cane led New Zealand with a slender 12-11 margin.

“I’m really excited about the make-up of the Rugby Championship this year and a couple of Tests at home versus Argentina.

“Nothing excites me more than South Africa in South Africa.

“It’s one of the ultimate challenges as an All Black.

“There’s some massive Test matches coming up. Whatever my role is to be played on behalf of the team, I’ll look forward to that.”