The All Blacks hope lingering doubt about the quality of flanker Sam Cane can be cast aside following his influential performance in the Bledisloe Cup defeat of Australia.
All-purpose openside Cane was arguably the best player in Saturday’s 41-33 win at Dunedin, in a performance which defied his late call-up.
Injuries late in the week to captain Richie McCaw and winger Cory Jane meant Cane and another 21-year-old, Charles Piutau, were called into the starting line-up.
Right winger Piutau was also among New Zealand’s best in his debut, emphasising the depth being developed by the world champions.
Coach Steve Hansen has been impressed with Cane all year.
He hopes the industry shown in his 13th Test, and sixth start of the year, will sway those who still believe a gulf exists between the Chiefs’ youngster and 120-Test All Black great McCaw.
“Once again, he’s just proven to us all that he’s worthy of challenging for that seven jersey,” Hansen said.
“We’ve known for a long time that he’s a quality person and a quality player. He’s just getting better and better with the time he’s getting.”
Cane said he enjoyed the fast, open nature of the game and the thrill of finishing off a sublime team try midway through the first half.
However, he said the All Blacks were guilty of abandoning their structure at times.
“The disappointing part for us was we’d often score points and then let them off the hook by letting a few in straight away,” he said.
“When they’re throwing the ball around, it can be easy to get sucked into that game as well.”
Cane says he is feeling more comfortable with every Test and is relishing future battles with Wallabies No.7 Michael Hooper, who was among Australia’s best players.
Piutau was pleased with his lively, error-free display.
He stood out most for his chasing and low, hard tackling which cut down a number of potential Wallaby attacks.