Sam Cane admitted composure was the key for New Zealand after their 20-16 win over Argentina in the Rugby Championship. The pair opened their campaigns in Buenos Aires and the All Blacks got off to a flying start, leading by 11 points at the break thanks to tries from Ngani Laumape and Brodie Retallick.
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Argentina came roaring back as Emiliano Boffelli went over in the 47th minute but were unable to break the line again, failing to make their pressure count. Despite being without the rested Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock, the Kiwi forwards fronted up to ensure they opened the tournament with a victory.
Cane skippered the side in Read’s absence but is likely to relinquish the role when the number eight returns against South Africa in Wellington on Saturday. The flanker was proud of the way his side battled in South America, with the cool heads they demonstrated under pressure something that particularly pleased him.
“That was the definition of a Test match – it was a real ding dong battle,” he told Sky Sports. “Massive credit to the Argentines. They put us under real pressure right up until the final whistle so they can be proud. But we stayed calm and composed to hang in there for the win.”
