Rugby: Chiefs star right at home

Chiefs player Sam Cane trains at Rotorua Boys' High School yesterday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Sam Cane has played at most of the world's premier rugby stadiums but he has a special liking for the Rotorua International Stadium.

Childhood memories will return when the All Blacks and Chiefs flanker runs out on to the pristine playing surface to face the Blues tonight.

"Yeah absolutely looking forward to it. I remember going to watch the Bay of Plenty Steamers play the Lions there [2005] and also I remember the first time I played on the park for Reporoa College," Cane said.

"So it will be awesome to get back there with the Chiefs. It is the only game we have got in the Bay this year at the stadium and the pitch is always in good nick.

"I know the boys love playing on it."

The Chiefs had a competitive hit-out against the Reds in the Queensland heat last week which featured many of the younger squad players.

But most of the senior players, including All Blacks Liam Messam and Brodie Retallick, will get a run tonight.

"We will focus on how we play, rather than worrying about the Blues too much," Cane said. "We will be looking to do the basics well, win our set piece, for our backs to strike well and to put them under pressure."

Last year was career defining for the 22-year-old Cane.

He helped the Chiefs to defend their Super Rugby title and after some epic performances in the All Blacks jersey, established himself as the definitive heir apparent to Richie McCaw at openside flanker.

"It was a really enjoyable year when I look back on it. The highlight first and foremost was winning back-to-back titles with the Chiefs, which was something pretty special, and it was a good group of guys to do it with.

"Moving on to the All Blacks, winning the Rugby Championship at Ellis Park in South Africa was a special game to be part of. It was certainly a good year to look back on and probably some of those things won't be repeated for a while, but we will do our best to make sure they do."

Cane has loved having his best mate and Steamers No8 Carl Axtens in the Chiefs wider training group over the summer.

"It is good to see Carl there and he has been working bloody hard and is pushing up some good numbers in the gym on his fitness. He has done everything he can to put his hand up for selection."

The Blues will be captained by former Bay of Plenty and Chiefs flanker Luke Braid.

The game starts at 6pm and tickets are $15 for an adult and $5 for children aged 14 and under (under-5s free).