Sam Cane's done all he can to make sure he's included in the All Blacks World Cup squad.
The openside flanker was impressive for Bay of Plenty in their 26-10 ITM Cup win over Southland in Tauranga last night.
Cane said he enjoyed the chance to get away from dwelling on the World Cup selections and get stuck in on the field.
"Obviously there is a lot of stuff in the media at the moment [on selections], for me it has been nice to come back here and just focus on this game and get this out of the way," said Cane.
"I've enjoyed it, but now there is a couple of days so we'll have to wait and see.
"The good thing is I've been doing a bit of conditioning work with Nic Gill [All Blacks strength and conditioning coach] and to be able to go out there and play 80 minutes, while not feeling too bad lung-wise, is good. It's pretty good knowing the work you've put in transfers onto the field."
The 23-year-old's expected to be one of six loose forwards in the 31-strong World Cup squad and is looking forward to the challenge of helping New Zealand defending their world crown.
"It would be very, very special to be involved with.
"I know the team will be under no illusions of how tough it is. It's never been done before has it, back-to-back World Cup wins, and we've never won one away from home either. There is a couple of huge challenges there."
Cane understands that he'll be fighting the All Blacks captain Richie McCaw for a starting role, but is prepared to do his part for the team when called on.
"It's my nature to be pushing and challenging and wanting to push for a starting spot and take any opportunity I can. At the same time, I'm aware he is the captain of the team and more often than not he's going to be starting.
'I'm aware if I get picked then my role is to be ready and chomping at the bit."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen names his World Cup squad on Sunday.
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