Cane 'x-factor' clear from school days

Sam Cane

The naming of Sam Cane as All Blacks captain for tomorrow's game against Namibia reflects the fact that a Tauranga school is helping shape some of New Zealand's young sporting talent.

Cane, 23, moved to Tauranga Boys' College for year 13 in 2010, joining the First XV to enhance his rugby career. He had previously attended Reporoa College, between Rotorua and Taupo, where his parents, Malcolm and Kathy, have a deer farm. The young loosie made the First XV as a No8 in year 10.

Tauranga Boys' College principal Robert Mangan yesterday recalled: "He came to us and he was a well-rounded young man and totally committed to his rugby, but also enjoyed the culture of Tauranga Boys' and mixing in with his mates.

"He was always very passionate, outstanding on the rugby field - so at that stage it was clear he had something special, that real x-factor."

It is not the first time the school has produced an international-level captain. Black Cap Kane Williamson - "an exceptional young man," Mr Mangan said - was a pupil. His mother, Sandra, works there.

Sailor Peter Burling, silver medallist at the 2012 London Olympics in the 49er class alongside Blair Tuke, is another old boy. He is now at the helm of Team NZ.

Despite being smaller, Cane's other alma mater, Reporoa College, has produced its fair share of top sporting talent - current All Blacks Sevens captain Scott Curry attended the college, as well as Junior All Black and Chiefs player Carl Axtens.

He was always very passionate, outstanding on the rugby field

Robert Mangan, Tauranga Boys' College principa

Deputy Principal Steven Hughes said he remembered Cane as a "great leader" on the field and in the classroom - despite not being a model student. Serious about rugby, Cane was "a bit of a Jonny Wilkinson", who Mr Hughes remembered would spend hours practising his kicking.

When asked about the secret behind their sporting success, both schools pointed to passionate staff and an underdog attitude common in youngsters playing for the provinces.

"Part of it is that we are in the provinces, so there is this little bit of, 'okay we're going to show the big boys how to do it'," Mr Mangan said. It is an attitude that is even written into one of the mottos of Reporoa College: "Small School, Big Achievement".

"Being a small community you always want to try and push above your weight," Mr Hughes said. "What they do see now is if you put the effort in - and Sam put this in five, six years ago - it will pay off." The achievements of these impressive old boys are bound to inspire current students. Reporoa College has plans for an All Black-themed mufti day tomorrow - complete with an early morning school hall screening of the Namibia match.

Even closer to the action will be 48 boys from Tauranga Boys' College, who are on a rugby tour of the UK and will watch the All Blacks take on Georgia next week. NZME