All Blacks skipper Sam Cane unlikely to face Namibia
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
New Zealand flanker Sam Cane passes the ball during a training session in Lyon.
PHOTO: AFP
LYON – The All Blacks are taking a cautious approach to captain Sam Cane's recovery from the back injury that forced him to miss their Rugby World Cup opener, forwards coach Jason Ryan said on Monday, making him unlikely to face Namibia in their second Pool A clash on Friday.
The three-time world champions will be desperate for a win over the Africans after losing 27-13 to hosts France last Friday, but Ryan has confirmed that they would not be taking any chances with the health of their open-side flanker.
“He didn’t train today. He got through a little bit of running work and we’ll reassess him tomorrow,” he said at the team’s base camp in Lyon.
“We have got to get him right, and now’s the chance to do that.
“We won’t be taking any risks with the skip because he’s important to us.”
Centre Jordie Barrett also looks an unlikely starter for Friday's match after resuming full training only on Monday as he completes his rehabilitation from a knee joint issue.
“It’s coming along pretty good. Obviously been a slow 10 or 14 days but yes, it’s (the recovery) on the improvement. So yeah, just day by day,” Barrett said.
“It’s not all doom and gloom.
“It’s a long tournament and our team are in a good spot this week.”
Injured flanker Shannon Frizell and prop Tyrel Lomax will not be available for the match in Toulouse as well, but Ethan Blackadder has arrived as an injury replacement for winger Emoni Narawa to bolster the loose forward stocks.
“Ethan, he’ll step in and bring plenty of energy,” lock Scott Barrett said.
“(He is like) an engine that just keeps chugging, like a diesel, I guess.
“Yeah, that’s what he brings and the boys love what he does.”
Scott also said that discipline had been a major focus of the New Zealand team’s review of the France match, in which the All Blacks were penalised 12 times to four penalties against the French.
He did not shy away from the fact that the All Blacks pack had been “outpowered” by South Africa in their final warmup in London in August – a record 35-7 loss – and acknowledged they had improvements to make after losing a first-ever pool match at the Stade de France.
“I don’t think we’re lacking any determination. I still think there’s plenty of hunger and drive in the group,” he said.
“Twickenham (the loss to the Springboks), that hurt. I guess we weren’t up to the mark physically.
“On Friday night against France, I think there were a few little games being played, particularly around the scrums.
“But we’ve got to adapt and keep moving forward.
“There is plenty of fuel in the tank. This group want to get better.
“There is no lack of drive off the back of that loss.” REUTERS
