Loosie connection for new recruit

Chiefs loose forward Tanerau Latimer says he needs to watch his back when it comes to the new kid on the block - Sam Cane.

They may be the best of mates on and off the field but Latimer a former All Black who has been playing Super Rugby since 2006, says he needs to keep an eye on the new stallion in the stable.

"Yeah I've got to watch my back now mate with these young fullas. I can't go telling them too many things."

Although the rivalry for positions for starting line-ups for the 2012 season will be intense, Latimer a true professional, puts rivalry aside to make his Bay of Plenty Steamers teammate feel welcome.

"It's not so much offering the new guys [advice] it's more about them finding their feet around camp. That's the biggest learning curb around here - trying to find their feet and trying to find their way around it."

Cane who turns 20 in just over two weeks, has picked up his first full-time Super Rugby contract with the Chiefs.

It's been a stellar year for the young loosie who was the NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year. He told the Bay Times he was keen to make an impression for the Chiefs.

"I think the best way to fit in and get respect is to do the hard yards on the field and show everyone you are here to push yourself and you are gonna work hard for the team. That's the best way you'll get respect from the older boys."

Both men are dynamic loose forwards who hit the rucks hard and leave no prisoners at the break down.

Latimer, 25, has 63 Super Rugby caps to his name scoring seven tries. He said he found it a challenge when he broke into Super Rugby but had a simple formula to succeed.

"As Sammy has done. Just put your head down and bum up and get stuck into your work."

The Chiefs have no shortages of quality loose forwards, with the likes of Liam Messam, Scott Waldrom and Fritz Lee. But both Latimer and Cane said it was great to keep everyone on their toes.

"I don't think anyone here is certain on their spot, where they stand, everyone is pushing each other," Cane said.

"I've got the same view as well, it promotes competition and that's what we want in the team," Latimer said.

The team will have a small break for Christmas and return to training on January 9.

Both men were doing similar things for their break with Latimer spending time with his family at the Lake Rotoma and Cane staying with family at Lake Tarawera.

"Yep I'll be enjoying a bit of skiing on Lake Rotoma and barbecuing with my family," Latimer said.

The Chiefs will play three pre-season games, their first against the Rebels in Australia on February 3, followed by the Highlanders in Queenstown on February 10, and Hurricanes on February 17, in Taupo.