Rugby: Cane brings own style to ABs

Sam Cane's selection in the All Blacks pleases Chiefs coach Dave Rennie.

Reporoa's Sam Cane has been described as a "very special" player by Chiefs coach Dave Rennie after being named in the 2016 All Blacks squad.

The openside flanker was picked on Sunday, alongside seven other Chiefs, as part of the 32-man squad for the three-test home series against Wales next month.

Cane, 24, made his international debut for the All Blacks in 2012 against Ireland and has 31 caps for his country.

The Bay of Plenty Steamer was a key member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup winning team, where he captained the side in the match against Namibia.

Rennie told the Rotorua Daily Post he was not surprised with Cane's selection, praising the player's leadership qualities on and off the pitch.

"Sam was a certainty in the squad. He is very confident and experienced despite his young years and will contribute well in that squad," he said.

"He has a very strong game and is a very special player not only because of how he is on the pitch but also in the dressing room.

"This season Sam's tackling has been outstanding and his leadership qualities are top notch.

"He is very mature and won't let anything faze him which is the sign of a true leader."

Steve Hansen's first All Black side of 2016 will be captained by Crusaders' Kieran Read with Highlanders fullback Ben Smith as vice-captain.

Previous comparisons have been made between Cane and former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw but Rennie played down these comments.

"Sam did a great job when leading the All Blacks but too many things were said about him and McCaw," he said.

"He is part of the current leadership group in the squad but Sam is very much his own man.

"He isn't trying to be like Richie - no one can. He has his own style and flavour which he will bring to the dressing room."

Chiefs and Bay of Plenty player Nathan Harris has also been included after fighting back from a ankle injury he suffered playing for the All Blacks against USA in Chicago in November 2014.

Harris missed last year's Rugby World Cup and has had a difficult rehabilitation.

"It's been a very challenging last few months for him so it's fantastic that he's made it," Rennie said.

"I'm delighted for him but also everyone who has made it into the squad, it's great to have so many involved."

All Blacks coach Hansen said the team was energised by the challenges they would face this season.

"We know that there's been a lot of interest around the selection of this first All Blacks squad of 2016, after what was a great season for us last year, and with a large group of experienced players moving on," he said.

"Many people, including our opponents, may be thinking we're vulnerable and are rebuilding. However, we don't have that mindset. We, as selectors, are very confident that we have both the talent and the experience to continue enhancing the legacy of the All Blacks."