Sam Cane “could be one concussion away from retirement.”
This article is based from www.rugbypass.com/
Former All Blacks captain Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford has warned that incumbent skipper Sam Cane could be just an injury away from hanging up the boots for good.
Cane was announced as one of five New Zealand-based players set to link up with the All Blacks for their northern hemisphere tour of the United States and Europe.
The announcement of his return marked a significant milestone for Cane, who hasn’t played at all since he tore his pectoral muscle while playing for the Chiefs against the Blues in March.
After undergoing surgery on that and one of his shoulders, the 29-year-old flanker is set to play his first game in over six months when he makes a surprise outing for King Country.
Cane will then travel to Washington DC next Thursday, three days before the Australian-based squad arrive in the American capital, ahead of the team’s clash against the USA Eagles on October 23.
If selected it would be his first appearance for the All Blacks in almost 11 months.
However, Shelford, who played 22 tests for New Zealand between 1986 and 1990, has warned that, although the return of Cane is an undoubted asset for head coach Ian Foster’s side due to his playing ability, he needs to be careful about his health upon his return to action.
“He is always probably one injury away from retirement from rugby, especially if it’s to the head,” Shelford told Newstalk ZB.
“He’s had a lot of concussions in his career and if he gets another one, that could be the end of his career quite easily.”
“He’s had a lot of concussions in his career and if he gets another one, that could be the end of his career quite easily.”