New Zealand: Cane, captain under pressure

Coach Ian Foster hasn’t been the only target for criticism in the Land of the Long White Cloud, as five defeats in the last six encounters have been abysmal with all of the New Zealand rugby watchers. The second man in the last goal is none other than the captain, third grader Sam Kahn. Originally, we can remember that the Chiefs’ version was never unanimous about it. But there, he is under increasing pressure because his performance on the ground is not so good, despite his unwavering commitment and his burning desire to get his team out of trouble.

Last week in Nelspruit, Sam Cane was one of the worst performers on his team. He really struggled with comparison to Boks captain Siya Kolisi, and even to his replacement, tireless pocket player Kwaja Smith who made an impressive entry into the game. Kenny was like his team: exhausted. Especially in the ground game which, along with the aerial balls, was one of the New Zealanders’ greatest failures at Mbombela Stadium. Under these circumstances, a captain’s armband becomes too heavy to wear, as previously suggested by the Springbok Shackburger, world champion and judicious observer of the last game: “Being a bad team captain only increases the pressure on your shoulders. It’s tough for Sam Kanye, whose judgment is bound to be impaired by that pressure.”

Akira Iwan is also disappointing

The problem is that the cane isn’t the only disappointment. On the other side of the battle, Akira Iwan was almost helpless. Except for a nice hack that concluded with…a pass forward for Shrek came: “I don’t think his style of play suits the Springboks. Akira is an extra three quarters. I would pick him for other matches, where he can go down the halls and dominate the wings with his body and technique. But against the Springboks, I haven’t seen him try to weaken our defense.” Thus, Burger’s preference goes to Scott Barrett who, along with Ardi Savia, was one of the few New Zealand strikers to rival the ferocity of South Africa: “I know he’s in the second streak, but I find him excellent at 6. He’s an excellent ball carrier. He reminds me of Jerome Kaino in the prime of his life.” And it’s true that blacks can really use a hitman like the great Jerome…