Cane concentrating on own game (+ video)

All Black loose forwards Sam Cane (left) and Ardie Savea train at the University Oval yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
All Black loose forwards Sam Cane (left) and Ardie Savea train at the University Oval yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
If Sam Cane is feeling any pressure because of the performances of another openside flanker in the All Black squad he is not showing it.

Cane's play has come under the spotlight after the first two tests during which super sub Ardie Savea has come off the bench and put in a couple of eye-catching performances.

But it is all water off the duck's back for Cane (24), who said he was concentrating on his own game.

"In terms of pressure, how do you measure pressure? ... I have just been doing my role. We've been getting along good and doing some work-ons together and feeding off each other,'' he said.

The two were different players and everyone knew that, Cane said.

"Obviously he [Savea] is a lot more explosive than myself and he thrives in ball carries while I am a wee bit more defence-orientated in the way I play. But as a rugby player you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses and you want to get better in the areas you are not while keeping the strengths in your game.''

The All Blacks was a competitive environment but what overrode that was first and foremost the team, Cane said.

"No matter who gets picked, who plays what, for how long, you know it is being done for the better of the team. Whether you like it or not, you suck it up as it is a bloody good team to be part of.''

Assistant coach Ian Foster earlier said the selectors were aware of the strengths of Cane and Savea and they both had different roles in the team.

Cane was looking forward to the covered stadium, where a dry track was assured.

He said games he had played down here he had been given some real ribbings by the crowd at the western end in the Zoo enclosure.

The visiting team had to warm up at that end and he was looking forward to getting support this time.

Midfield back Ryan Crotty was nursing some cuts on his face after a collision at training and said it was a minor bump.

The Crusaders midfielder said being in the side now as a regular meant more preparation.

"With more time in the saddle you get a lot clearer in the moves, the game plan and where you are supposed to be and all that,'' Crotty said.

"But you want that pressure on you to go out and do the job, help the team, help run things. I think you look forward to the challenge and embrace it.

''I think it is on everyone who has a voice in this team. We have drivers that drive the team but they have help by those around them.

"The way to lead is by playing well.''

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