Sam Cane's rise to become All Blacks captain had humble beginnings in Reporoa.
The All Blacks' newest captain celebrated with a hug from his mum.
Sam Cane admitted he was stunned when coach Steve Hansen told him on Monday he'd be leading the team out at Olympic Stadium against Namibia in New Zealand's second Pool C match at the Rugby World Cup tomorrow morning.
"It took me aback a little bit," Cane said.
Safe to say, everyone was taken aback a little. He was grateful to be able break the news to parents Malcolm and Kathy in person at breakfast on Tuesday.
"They were very proud. Mum gave me a cuddle."
The job was expected to go to a senior figure such as Keven Mealamu, who has captained in some games, or Liam Messam, another Super Rugby skipper.
But Hansen outlined an extended succession plan when Richie McCaw retires, expected at the end of this World Cup.
"You look to the future, and you've got people like Kieran Read, who'll likely be the next full-time guy. Then after that, you ask who's going to drop in?" Hansen said.
"The similarity between all three of those guys [McCaw, Read and Cane] is that they're really good rugby players, first and foremost. They can see the big picture, it is not just about them. Sam's time in behind Richie has been good for him in that he's had to think about the team, not just himself."
Bay of Plenty Steamers co-captain Carl Axtens said it was only a matter of time before Cane became All Blacks captain.
Bay of Plenty's Cane will be the fifth-youngest All Blacks skipper when he leads the team out against Namibia.
Axtens, who grew up with Cane in Reporoa, said he couldn't be happier for Sam.
"I just found out this morning and I was like 'holy hell, this is awesome'. I'm so happy for him.
"Ever since he made the All Blacks, he has been held in a high regard and he is a natural-born leader.
"Sam will be a great man for the job - the way he conducts himself on and off the field.
"He has always been great at playing rugby but I don't think he would have ever dreamt he would be the All Blacks captain."
Bay of Plenty Rugby chief executive Mike Rogers signed Cane, now 23, when he was playing for the Tauranga Boys' College First XV.
Mr Rogers says the values Cane lives by help make him a great rugby player.
"In my view his values, his integrity, the way he operates just sets him apart," Mr Rogers said.
"He is such a genuine guy. He is absolutely honest, he is comfortable with who he is, he has a massive amount of respect for his family. I am sure he brings that same sense of respect into the All Blacks environment and he demonstrates those values."
Mr Rogers says to have an All Blacks captain among the Bay of Plenty squad will inspire the next generation of players.
"It will give the players a massive boost to see that a guy who came from Reporoa can make it all the way to be All Blacks captain.
"I think it is a pretty inspiring story for someone to achieve that, not just for the current guys but for the future players who represent the Bay.
"Everyone is just so proud of him. Last year when he couldn't be with the team for the Ranfurly Shield challenge, as he was away with the All Blacks, he sent a message to the team, wishing them good luck, and wished he could be there."
AIMS Games tournament director Vicki Semple has special memories from when Cane and Axtens lived with her for their final year of schooling.
They moved to Tauranga Boys' College from Reporoa College and shared the Semple household with four kids aged 8 to 15. Mrs Semple says feeding the boys was the only challenge she had.
"They weighed over 100kg each and on the first day at school, I made their school lunch for them," she said.
"I made eight sandwiches and fruit and muffins and stuff, as they were both really conscious of nutrition.
"When they got home, I asked them if their lunch was okay and they said 'yeah, it was great but we ate it for morning tea, so can we have double tomorrow please'."
She was proud when she heard the news yesterday morning that Cane was to captain the All Blacks.
"He has always been so, so humble. He fitted in with our family and was always diligent whether it was his school studies, his training or his attitude to everything, he was an exceptional young man. It doesn't surprise me that he has reached this honour." Additional reporting NZME
