All Blacks skipper Sam Cane has fallen short of being recognised as one of New Zealand rugby’s leading players in the Super Rugby Pacific.
Selecting a best of the best from those who starred for their franchise last season, the New Zealand Herald compiled a list of the standout 100 Kiwis, who included nine World Cup winners and two former World Player of the Year winners.
Chiefs co-captain and openside flanker Cane, whose performances for club and country in 2022 was widely criticised, was ranked 11th – down one place from last year’s rankings.
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Blues utility back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, despite being billed as a future fifteens star after his switch from rugby league, could only crack 48th spot on the overall standings.
A surprise omission for the 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year nominees, Hurricanes No 8 Ardie Savea tops the chart once again, followed by teammate Jordie Barrett, who is six places up from previously.
The lowest ranked All Black is Hurricanes juggernaut Julian ‘The Bus’ Savea, in 72nd.