All Blacks feeling the pressure, says Cane

In the wake of the All Blacks’ first loss to Argentina on home soil last weekend, captain Sam Cane says the pressure is fuelling their preparations for a winning performance on Saturday. 

The New Zealand fans have been forced to watch their team lose three consecutive home Tests – another record – and patience with the current system and its leaders is wearing very thin. However, Cane says the side is choosing to use the pressure to their advantage. 

“There’s that pressure, there’s the external pressure and there’s the internal pressure that we put on ourselves,” he said.  

“We’re not happy with how we fronted up last week so, [there’s] heaps of pressure.” 

Reflecting on last week’s 25-18 loss, Cane argued that it is not all doom and gloom. 

“I don’t think it was a horrible performance by any means. 

“I don’t think we’re way off. If we could be a little bit more disciplined in that first half and put them under a lot more pressure, then potentially the game changes from there. But we didn’t do that and they are a very good side. I think that can be underestimated in this whole thing.”