Sam Cane did not have to look far to see the irony.
While the All Blacks captain huddled in the grandstand at the University Oval following a training session in howling winds and fierce rain yesterday, the nearby cover of Forsyth Barr Stadium beckoned.
"We normally practise our kick-offs but the boys were like, there’s not much point in this wind because it’s not going to move like that under the roof," Cane smiled.
"Very, very happy to be playing under the roof. We don’t get afternoon footy too often. The boys love that."
Cane returns to the starting XV after missing last week’s 38-7 trouncing of the Wallabies in Melbourne with a neck strain.
He said he could have played at the MCG at a pinch and was feeling completely healthy ahead of his 89th test this afternoon.
"We were pretty proud of the performance last week. It tested us in a lot of areas.
"We held pretty strong and the fact we only let one try in was pleasing. Hopefully we can take another step forward and improve."
The Dunedin test could be seen as a dead rubber but Cane, unsurprisingly, is not having that talk, especially with the naming of the World Cup squad looming on Monday.
"For one, we’ve got two guys making their debut and one potentially, and a lot of guys getting an opportunity.
"On top of that, we know that where we’re at right now is not what’s going to be good enough later in the year, and every time we get a chance to take the field is a chance to take a step forward and get better and ultimately get to where we want to be.
"I have felt for the last 18 months or so that we’re building to a pretty good spot, and I suppose it’s pleasing that it’s starting to show on the field."
The All Blacks have made 12 changes for today’s test with a view to giving some fringe players a chance to impress.
That should not be construed as some sort of sign of disrespect or complacency, Cane said.
"I don’t see it like that, and I don’t think anyone in the team sees it like that either.
"A lot of these guys who are playing have been chomping at the bit and training extremely well, and it’s just a case of getting their opportunity and putting their hand up, and the best chance for individuals to flourish is if the team performs well."
Cane shared his sympathies following news earlier in the day of the death of former All Blacks captain Tane Norton at 81.
Hooker Norton played 61 games, including 27 tests, for the All Blacks, and captained the team nine times including to a series win over the Lions in 1977.
He played 82 games for Canterbury before serving as president of New Zealand Rugby for three years.
"Some of the guys in the team knew him personally, so our thoughts and love go out to the Norton whanau.
"He sounded like a real passionate rugby man who gave back a lot to the community."
