‘So impressed’: Why Sam Cane has been the Chiefs’ best player this season

The undefeated Chiefs have been sensational in Super Rugby Pacific this season, but there’s one player who has impressed former All Black Ian Jones more than any other.

Looking back at last year’s end-of-season tour, All Blacks captain Sam Cane appeared to be under genuine pressure – and arguably still is ahead of the World Cup.

Cane was ruled out of the Autumn Nations Series after sustaining an injury during the win over Japan in October, and Blues flanker Dalton Papali’i made the most of the opportunity.

Papali’i starred in the coveted No. 7 jersey during the thrilling win over Scotland, and impressed once again during the 25-all draw with England at Twickenham.

All Blacks great Ian Jones questioned whether Cane was “good enough” start over Papali’i during key games at the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

But Jones has clearly changed his tune.

The Chiefs have won all six of their matches this season, and Cane has played a big role in their success. In fact, Jones said the flanker has been the Chiefs’ best player so far.

“I’ve just been so impressed really… (with) the level of performance and the standards that our All Black captain has set for the Chiefs,” Jones said on SENZ’s Chiefs Mana.

“You’d arguably have to say he’s been the player of the team so far within the Chiefs.

“Both sides of the ball (he’s been immense) but his defensive work and his energy that he brings to that team, others can rise up to it like a Brodie Retallick, who we know has got that big engine.

“Those two guys have been phenomenal and we can talk about McKenzie with that spark and Shauny as well, but I think it’s just been that level from the senior players which has allowed everyone else in the squad to come up and perform at the level that we’ve seen.”

The Chiefs started their season with a stunning win over the champion Crusaders in Christchurch – for a squad of world-class players, they’ve well and truly lived up to their reputations this season.

Fullback Shaun Stevenson has been one of the players of the competition so far, while All Blacks Brodie Retallick and Damian McKenzie have also stood out.

“What Clayton McMillan has done is his consistency in selection has been really vital for what they’ve achieved,” he added.

“Big minutes from Sam Cane, big minutes when he has to from Brodie Retallick, Damian McKenzie when he’s there, Shaun Stevenson… they’re the guys (that) have been a really good benchmark.

“He’s been able to bring players in and out, of course hopefully going forward we’re going to have Anton Lienert-Brown coming back in the midfield.

“That’s going to bring a lot more energy and spark as well which is going to be a good thing for this tournament.”

The Chiefs face arguably their biggest test yet as they look to keep their unbeaten streak alive in round eight.

Following their bye, the Hamilton-based outfit will travel south to the capital where they’ll take on the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Hurricanes have lost one game this season – a thriller against the Blues – but sit first on the ladder.

Currently equal on points with the Chiefs, the winner of this highly anticipated New Zealand derby will occupy first place on the Super Rugby Pacific standings.