Even more so than Foster, Sam Cane was very unfairly maligned by the NZ Rugby public during the trials of the '22 - '23 seasons.

It reflects what we value in our rugby players that being the guy on the field that cleaned up after other’s mistakes, did all the hard graft, the heavy tackling, clean-outs that he was often mocked for a drive of only a couple metres when receiving the ball. Most folks missed that what he was doing was giving the ABs attack line a chance to reform while under huge duress from defensive pressure.

He hit top form in time for the World Cup and even after all the injuries he’d suffered over the years his defensive hits were huge. I’m a kiwi so of course I think it was unjust that he received a red, while Kolisi got only a yellow given the contrasting force in their two tackles. But even if the ABs had won the cup last year somehow he would still have his doubters back home.

He’s 32, has had to suffer through some major injuries - deserves a few years making big money with his family close by before retiring from rugby altogether.