All Blacks captain Sam Cane is "honoured" to run out for King Country in a one-off appearance for the Heartland Championship side against Whanganui in Taupō this weekend.
Out of action since March with a pectoral injury, Cane will use Saturday's game as the next step in his return to top-flight rugby, as he tries to get some much-needed match conditioning under his belt before rejoining the All Blacks squad on their northern tour.
On Thursday, the 29-year-old met his new teammates for the first time for a training session at Mangakino and is raring to represent a province he's long held close to his heart.
"If there's one team I do support in the Heartland, it's them, because they're just down the road from where I grew up in Reporoa, so it'll be an honour," Cane tells Newshub.
Bay of Plenty stalwart Cane - whose Steamers have the bye this weekend - had to get special dispensation to play for King Country, ensuring some valuable gametime, before entering the cauldron of test rugby.
"It's awesome... just for the confidence in the body," Cane admits. "I'm just thankful King Country will have me for this weekend.
"I know, in terms of their long-term picture, it's not in their best interests, but I certainly appreciate they're having me on board and I'm looking forward to rubbing shoulders with these fellas."
The revised COVID-19 restrictions in Waikato briefly threatened to derail the match, but coach Craig Jeffries is confident they can proceed as planned, as long as the boundaries don't shift any further south.
Cane hopes to show his appreciation by guiding the Rams - who were crushed 72-0 by South Canterbury in their last game - to their first win of the season.
"It's my first time in Mangakino actually," Cane confesses. "Good local ground, just met the lads and we're set to rip into it."
Join us at 4:30pm Saturday for live updates of the Hawke's Bay v Tasman Ranfurly Shield clash
