Chiefs openside flanker Sam Cane knows all eyes are on him to step into the breach at All Blacks level in June with Richie McCaw on a six month sabbatical.
But first he has to convince the Chiefs coaches he is the man to be their regular starter in the No 7 jersey this season.
Cane made an outstanding fist of his start and 80 minute effort against the Highlanders last week.
Tonight he starts against the Cheetahs at Waikato Stadium with Tanerau Latimer again on the bench and he knows he has to perform to stay there.
The Chiefs will take on the Cheetahs at 6.35pm, Bulls takes on Force at 3.05am tomorrow while the Stormers battle the Sharks at 5.10am.
Story by: Aliki Bia
