Sam Cane looking forward to 'ultimate challenge' against Boks after All Blacks recall

The 32-year-old former New Zealand skipper underwent surgery on his back earlier this year but has now recovered and been included in Scott Robertson's group.

It's a massive year for Cane, who will retire from international rugby at the end of 2024, and he is determined to add to his cap tally before hanging up his Test boots.

"I suppose it feels a little bit like the first time," he told the New Zealand Herald. "[Like] anyone who's been around and played with the All Blacks for a few years, you never take it for granted.

"It's hard to put into words exactly how special it is. Every time, it's a little bit different because of the journey or what's required to get there.

"In this case, it's been a lot of hours by myself, working away. I've been there and done it before, but it doesn't make it any easier.

"I'm really excited about the make-up of the Rugby Championship this year, and a couple of Tests at home vs Argentina. Nothing excites me more than South Africa in South Africa.

"It's one of the ultimate challenges as an All Black. There's some massive Test matches coming up. Whatever my role is to be played on behalf of the team, I'll look forward to that."

It might be viewed by some as a surprise that Robertson has included the veteran in his squad, especially with Cane poised to retire from Test duty at the end of 2024.

The player himself admits that while he was always kept in the loop by the new All Blacks coach, he would not have been shocked if his name had not been read out.

"[Robertson] said my focus was to get back fit and available, and prove that I'm ready to go," Cane revealed.

"I certainly wasn't expecting to be named. I mentally prepared myself that if I got named, it would be a bonus.

"But I was equally prepared to go and spend a season with Bay of Plenty. I wasn't expecting it, but I knew I was in with a shot. As part of mentally preparing for it, I played out both scenarios in my head. But once you get named, I'm pretty stoked."

Cane currently sits on 95 caps and would join a special group if he were to feature five more times, with the back-rower admitting a century would feel "special".

"It's in the back of my mind," he said. "But I can hand on heart say I've not thought about that particularly.

"I don't think I'll look back on my career any differently if I've played 95 or 100.

"It would be a special achievement to join those boys who have played 100 Tests. I reached 50 Tests by the time I was 24 or 25. The next 45 have taken a heck of a long time.

"I know there's no point counting them or expecting them to come. A lot of hard work goes into each one.

"Nothing's made me realise that more than the last 45, which I've had to earn every one, a lot by coming back through injury."

READ MORE: Sam Cane returns to All Blacks squad for Rugby Championship