Sam Cane will 'never forget' heartwarming gesture from Rassie ...

Ahead of his milestone match, Sam Cane has revealed a heartwarming story of how he was visited by three Springboks after suffering a horrendous injury six years ago.

The flanker broke his neck during a game with South Africa at Loftus Versfeld in 2018, which threatened his career.

Fortunately, Cane returned to full fitness, appearing in the Rugby World Cup the next year, and on Saturday he is set to earn his 100th cap for the All Blacks.

However, it was the actions of Boks head coach Rassie Erasmus and two players that stuck with him.

Cane suffered the injury when he collided with Louw’s hip and the opposition flanker was one of those to visit him in hospital.

The All Blacks squad had already flown home by that point with only the team doctor staying behind to help him through the surgery, making the actions of the Springboks trio extra special.

“The day after I had surgery, Rassie, Francois Louw and Jesse Kriel, all on separate occasions, made the visit to the hospital,” Cane told reporters.

“The truth is, I was in such a dazed state post-surgery that unfortunately I can only remember dribs and drabs of the conversation, but it speaks volumes of all three of those men to take time out of their day to come to the hospital and find me.

“It’s something I will never forget and I’m hugely appreciative of it.”

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Cane has been plagued by injuries since then but, after he was named captain following the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup, he led them into 2023 global tournament.

The openside has continued in international rugby this year, but 2024 will be his last after he signed a long-term deal to play in Japan from 2025 onwards.

“You need a bit of luck to get to 100,” he said.

“The 50 came really quickly without too much trouble but this next 50 I’ve had to be patient and it’s tested me a bit more, with a few road bumps.

“But it will be nice to look back in time that I’ve cracked that club.”

Being an All Blacks captain comes with its challenges, especially when dealing with criticism from expectant fans, but he has overcome all that to go down as a New Zealand great.

“When I look back on it… rugby’s a pretty good teacher of life and resilience,” he added. “The ups and downs, you just have to pick yourself up and carry on.

“All those different challenges have tested my resilience at times but I’ve been able to keep things in perspective and just really grateful for the opportunities that rugby has given me on the field but also just the opportunity to grow up as a man.

“From a 20-year-old making [his] debut not knowing much about anything to now being 32 and constantly learning and evolving.”

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