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'Take nothing for granted': Chiefs confirm co-captains for 2023
By Finn Morton
All Blacks Sam Cane and Brad Weber will co-captain the Gallagher Chiefs during the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, the club announced on Thursday.
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Both players are centurions at Super Rugby level with the Chiefs, and are experienced in their roles as leaders as well.
The star duo have been the Chiefs’ co-captains for the past two seasons, while Cane has had the ‘C’ next to his name at Test level with the All Blacks on a regular basis since 2019.
Cane, who is under pressure ahead of this year’s World Cup, said he has taken “nothing for granted” throughout his time in Hamilton.
“I love this team and I take nothing for granted,” Cane said.
“I have had a great relationship with Brad over the years and we bounce off each other in that role.”
International scrumhalf Brad Weber played his 100th match for the Chiefs during last year’s campaign.
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The halfback has been a stalwart of the proud Super Rugby franchise for quite some time, and is eager to challenge for a title this season.
“I feel really honoured to be asked to lead our group alongside my good mate Sam again this season,” Weber said.
“We have a great group of players and coaches that has the belief and is ready to take the next step and win a championship this season.”
The decision to re-appoint the pair hasn’t come as a surprise to many – including Head Coach Clayton McMillan.
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In a statement, McMillian expressed his support for the co-captains who bring a “balanced, reliable and calm approach” to the team.
“As a halfback, Brad is an important link and communicator between backs and forwards whilst Sam is generally in the thick of things,” McMillan said via a statement.
“Collectively they have a great feel for where we are at in games and the shared workload ensures they provide a balanced, reliable and calm approach to our on-field leadership.
“That said, I am expecting others within our squad to step up and shoulder some leadership responsibility themselves.
“Despite having a young squad, we have enough players who have accumulated several years’ of experience now to know what is required to thrive, not just survive at this level.
“Their leadership example both on and off the field will provide plenty of support for Brad and Sam.”
Super Rugby Pacific is set to get underway later this month, with a New Zealand derby blockbuster set to kick things off.
After losing last year’s semi-final 20-7 against eventual champions the Crusaders in Christchurch, the Chiefs will be looking for revenge in Round One.
The Chiefs are set to return to the South Island for an opening round clash against the champion Crusaders on February 24.
