The first notable match for Cane was during the 2013 Rugby Championship decider. New Zealand needed just one point to clinch the title and achieved this when Beauden Barrett, after an intense challenge from Jean de Villiers, scored a pivotal try. This not only secured the bonus point needed but also set up the team's overall victory, with Kieran Read adding another try shortly after. Cane, who played only in the closing minutes, found the victory incredibly significant.
"There’s the one where we had to secure a bonus point to win the Rugby Championship. I think it was when Beaudy came on, beat De Villiers, and scored under the posts, and once we’d secured the bonus point through four plus tries, we just needed to win the game,"
However, it was the 2022 match that left a lasting imprint on Cane. Arriving in Gauteng amidst a turbulent season, including a series loss to Ireland and internal team pressures, the stakes were exceptionally high. With Ian Foster's role as head coach hanging by a thread, the team rallied to secure a hard-fought 35-23 victory, a match which not only saved Foster’s career but also demonstrated the resilience and unity of the squad amidst adversity.
"The one that sticks out the most was when Fozzie’s job was on the line in 2022. We had lost to Ireland at home... There’s just all this external noise and pressure... Like the leaders took total control, and then for us to do that in that moment… It gives you goosebumps thinking about it."
The emotional weight of this victory was profound, with many players feeling the intensity of what had been achieved under such pressure. Cane highlights how this match stands out in his memory, not just for the result, but for the collective effort and emotional release that followed.
Discussing his affinity for Ellis Park, Cane expressed his fondness for the stadium, noting the unique challenges and the vibrant, often hostile atmosphere that welcomed them. The pre-match environment, marked by passionate fans and intense interactions, always set the stage for memorable clashes.
Reflecting on his experiences, Cane also acknowledged the harsh reception often faced in comparison to more welcoming venues like Twickenham. Such challenges, he noted, only fueled the All Blacks' resolve.
"No, it’s not the warmth or ‘Yay, the All Blacks are here’; it’s like the knives are out already and ready to be thrown," Cane responded when compared to the reception elsewhere.
The former captain’s reflections not only highlight the intensity of the New Zealand-South Africa rivalry but also underscore the deep respect and camaraderie that exists, even amidst fierce competition. As the teams prepare to face off once again at Ellis Park, the echoes of past battles, such as those vividly remembered by Sam Cane, will surely resonate with both current players and fans alike.
