Rugby: Young back-ups happy to learn

Aaron Cruden. Photo / Getty Images

Backing up a superstar can be a thankless task, but Aaron Cruden and Sam Cane seem more than happy to play their part in the All Blacks set-up.

The two young bucks are at varying stages of their international careers: Cruden started in last year's World Cup final victory against France before leaving the game with a knee injury and has nine tests to his name, while Cane is yet to pull on the black jersey.

But following Cruden's strong season with the Chiefs and Colin Slade's continued horror run with injuries he has confirmed himself as the clear back-up behind Dan Carter in the national pecking order.

Meanwhile, Cane, who made his provincial debut for Bay of Plenty in 2010 as an 18-year-old, has continued his rise during his second campaign with the Chiefs and could see some game time in the upcoming Irish series as Richie McCaw's understudy.

Cane's selection in the All Blacks' wider training squad for the two camps held recently indicate he is higher in the food chain than Crusaders fetcher Matt Todd, while Highlanders loose forward Adam Thomson could be used behind McCaw.

On Sunday, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will name his 30-strong squad to meet Ireland in three tests next month and Cruden and Cane's names are pretty safe bets to be on the teamsheet.

The second training camp wrapped up in Wellington today and Cane said it was great to be able to get to know some of the players in the squad and, of course, pick the brain of the captain.

"It's unbelievable, I've grown up watching Richie and definitely idolised his play and how he is, so to be running alongside him at training and having a chat to him is absolutely amazing and something I really enjoyed."

Cane said he would likely watch the squad naming on Sunday but wanted to put in a good performance for the Chiefs when they meet the Blues in Albany on Saturday night and wasn't expecting to take McCaw's spot in the national side yet.

"All I'll be doing is pushing to get named in the squad first of all and from there, you're pushing to get in the 22, so I'm not getting too far ahead of myself."

Cruden, who debuted for the All Blacks against Wales in 2010 as a 21-year-old, said he was excited to be back in the All Blacks environment, even if it meant riding the pine behind test rugby's greatest points-scorer.

"I think it's pretty cool. I still think Dan's the best 10 in the world and if I'm able to learn from him then it's exactly what I'm going to do and he's a great guy. He's always willing to help out the new guys and guys in his position, so I'm just going to soak it all in, all of the info he gives me."

As for how much time he would see on the paddock against the Irish, Cruden didn't have any expectations.

"I'm not too sure. Always hoping to get on the field, but I'll just have to see how it goes and push my claim at training and do what I can to hopefully get a bit of game time during that series."