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'Take nothing for granted': Chiefs confirm co-captains for 2023

(Photo by Kerry Marshall/Getty Images)

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.

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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.

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“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.

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M
Mzilikazi 47 minutes ago
As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right?

I did not think there would have been such a big Irish contingent, and must admit I am surprised by some of the selections. For example injury has taken Hanson back a long way in my opinion, and would agree with the comments on Darcy Graham being the better player over the past year.


Ryan also surprises me. I recall a couple of years before the last Lions tour, out to SA, he was being talked of as a possible captain. He then lost form, and was not selected. I don’t feel he has ever fully met the early hopes many of us would have had for him. Not even a first choice for Ireland.


I am happy to see the second Irish hooker in the squad. I highly rate Kelleher, but would concede George is very unlucky…fine player, good leader. And very happy to see Conan going….very smart player, who from all accounts has had to work very hard to get to the level he is at. Was never a noted school boy star. Interestingly, neither was van der Flier.


I’m not convinced Itoje will be a good captain. Very good lineout technican, but has tended to be a very niggly type of player, and concedes a lot of penalties. For example saw him put in a silly shoulder block off the ball playing for Saracens against Sale. He can also have games where is ineffective for periods. Not sure how he would go if it were the ABs or Boks, not that I’m writing the WB’s off as having no chance.


Despite my Irish heritage, neither am I happy to see Sexton in the coaching team. The Prendergast of the coaching world ? Would have thought he should have some time as a coach at some level before being so elevated.

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R
Ronan Furlong 1 hour ago
As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right?

“Why did England beat France but Ireland concede over 40 at home to the same opponents?”


Because France embarrassingly butchered the match against England by playing their worst game in about 4 years, and because the wounded real France turned up in Dublin a few weeks later with pride on the line.


I’m not basing my theory around the current Leinster …. I’m basing my theory around Kelleher being better than George at playing as an edge forward a la Sheehan (which is what Faz wants - hence no Dewi Lake either). I’m basing my theory on the absolute stupidity of anyone (like you) thinking Wainwright is a better 8 than Conan. I'm basing my theory on the stupidity of you wanting to take an unavailable Martin over James Ryan.


By the way, the “current Leinster” you're so happy to deride, are top of the URC and reached this years Euro semi finals, just like Saints. I didn’t notice any other English teams in the semis, did you? Are Sarries, Leceister, Quins, Sale et al not as good as Leinster? Presumably, by your logic, that means they are also overrepresented in the lions squad? Or does performance in Europe only matter for lions selection when Leinster lose by 4 points (as opposed to Leicester and Quins getting utterly embarrassed by URC teams?)


Let’s see how Saints get on against Bordeaux shall we? If they lose by more than Munster and Ulster lost to Bordeaux, should we be rethinking the inclusion of so many Saints players?


Of course not, as only an idiot would drop an entire cohort of players due to one lost game now, wouldn’t they?


p.s. I’m not surprised you’re welsh and cheering for England, as it’s a common 'Stockholm Syndrome’ trait from where you’re from. I'm a

little more surprised at your overt, small man bias against Leinster.


p.p.s Hansen is the lucky Irish player in the squad, no one else. But being from Connacht, he doesn’t fit your narrative does he? Partly because even you can't find a remotely deserving fit English or Welsh winger to replace him, can you?

78 Go to comments
M
Maria Zambrano 1 hour ago
As the balance of power shifts away from Ireland, has Andy Farrell got his Lions calls right?

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78 Go to comments
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