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Both carded in the World Cup final, Kolbe and Cane are now teammates
By Grant Constable
After a dramatic Rugby World Cup final that had completely different outcomes for each of them, Cheslin Kolbe and Sam Cane are now reunited a month later at Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan.
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All Blacks skipper Cane was sent off in the final, as South Africa went on to win 12-11 in Paris, while Kolbe himself spent some time on the sidelines, yellow carded late in the game and unable to watch the final minutes.
They now get to share their war stories as teammates, donning the new Sungoliath kit with their team.
Cane signed a one-season deal and as it’s the first time he’s played outside of his home country, feels it will test him as a rugby player.
“A lot of the areas that I want to get better at in my game – speed, agility – are all required in this league,” said the 31-year-old loose forward.
“It will test me to evolve my game and I’m really looking forward to that.”
After six years in France, with both Toulouse and Toulon, exciting winger Kolbe arrives in Japan with his family, also ready for a new challenge.
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“That’s one of the exciting things about this competition,” added Cane. “You’re playing against a lot of the top Japanese players and a lot of players who come from abroad.”
The new Japan Rugby League One season kicks off on December 9, with fellow New Zealanders Ardie Savea, Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett also amongst the new arrivals.
While South African players are allowed to play abroad and still represent their country at test level, a ruling that has proved successful for the Springboks over the last two world cups, New Zealand players are not afforded the same luxury.
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They players can not represent the All Blacks if they are based at overseas clubs. But Cane’s short team deal means he won’t miss any international games and will be up for selection come June next year, something he and incoming coach Scott Robertson reportedly discussed at length.
“Playing for the All Blacks, you have to earn that by playing well every week,” said Cane.
“I know the All Blacks coaches will be keeping an eye on some of us boys over here.
“The sole focus is just to play well, try and improve as a rugby player and hopefully have the opportunity of returning to the team again.”
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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