Italy vs All Blacks 2021 NH Tour

@sparky I'd rather start Cane - he needs game time. I'd probably run Akira off the bench again - I think the impact sub role could suit him so i'd give him another crack at it.

sparky

@kiwimurph I am really not sure Cane is fit to start. I think all we will get out of him in 2021 is as impact sub. Of course, the coaches will be in a much better position to assess his match fitness.

Stargazer

Cane has already said via the media that he won't be available for this game and is aiming for the last two tests.

Machpants

@stargazer said in Italy vs All Blacks 2021 NH Tour:

Cane has already said via the media that he won't be available for this game and is aiming for the last two tests.

Really, that's not what it sounded like to me

Stargazer

@machpants

From an article on Stuff of 26 October 2021:

Cane, on Tuesday (NZT) from Cardiff, revealed a planned timeline between he and coach Ian Foster that has him regrouping following his return to test footy via a half-hour off the bench in the 104-14 romp over the USA in Washington DC at the weekend.

By his own admission, Cane is still not ready for a full-blown test against a tier-1 nation, such as this weekend’s clash against Wales at a sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff, after a six-month rehabilitation from shoulder surgery to repair a pectoral muscle tear.

But he hopes the next fortnight will nudge him close enough for the selectors to at least have something to think about ahead of that brutal finish against Ireland in Dublin (November 13) and France in Paris (November 20).

Machpants

@stargazer Italy is not a full blown test, imo. I read that, and it is not his actual words but reporter paraphrasing, that he hopes too be up to speed enough to start one of those big tests. To do that he needs some game time, Italy ideal for that

Billy Tell

@stargazer said in Italy vs All Blacks 2021 NH Tour:

Cane has already said via the media that he won't be available for this game and is aiming for the last two tests.

Imo putting cane against either France or Ireland is asking for trouble. He should accept this season is over and aim to get his place back in 2022. Don’t mind if he trots out against Italy though.

Bovidae

The Breakdown crew all expect Cane to be the captain in this test.

Crucial

@bovidae said in Italy vs All Blacks 2021 NH Tour:

The Breakdown crew all expect Cane to be the captain in this test.

I'd tend to agree. Ardie and Sam will both be having a rest and there is no need to play Taylor as well. Someone has to be captain and I don't think it will be Coles.

Machpants

@bovidae said in Italy vs All Blacks 2021 NH Tour:

The Breakdown crew all expect Cane to be the captain in this test.

Me too, and Vai’i and Lord lock, frizzle on the bench to cover.

Bovidae

@machpants said in Italy vs All Blacks 2021 NH Tour:

@bovidae said in Italy vs All Blacks 2021 NH Tour:

The Breakdown crew all expect Cane to be the captain in this test.

Me too, and Vai’i and Lord lock, frizzle on the bench to cover.

That is what I am expecting as well. The only caveat is whether Frizell is fit to be on the bench. If not, Whitelock might have to be named in the team but only used as a last resort.

Hooroo

@machpants said in Italy vs All Blacks 2021 NH Tour:

@bovidae said in Italy vs All Blacks 2021 NH Tour:

The Breakdown crew all expect Cane to be the captain in this test.

Lord lock.

Man that has a ring to it

Stargazer

@bovidae It wouldn't surprise me at all if that happens. I guess it all depends on whether he already considers him fit enough for this test to start. He won't be captain if he comes off the bench again.

The Silver Fern

Italy vs All Blacks 2021 NH Tour