All Blacks forward Sam Cane says discipline not a problem ahead of opening Lions Test

By Matthew Treadwell

Image: New Zealand forward Sam Cane

New Zealand back-row forward Sam Cane does not feel there will be any problems with discipline when they face the British and Irish Lions in Saturday's opening Test, live on Sky Sports.

Referees have been a talking point after Lions head coach Warren Gatland raised concerns about the All Blacks using 'blocking' tactics.

South African referee Jaco Peyper will take charge of the opening clash in Auckland on Saturday but Cane is not unduly concerned about who the man in the middle is, with the All Blacks keen to retain their focus to ensure indiscipline does not scupper their chances of a series victory.

Sam Whitelock says New Zealand's players know facing the Lions is potentially a once in a career chance.

"Referees are different depending on where they are from and you can also have referees from the same country who referee quite differently," he said.

"From our point of view, you just try to take the referees out of it, especially when it comes to discipline.

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"Any 50/50 calls and things you are not sure of, better to play on the safe side, especially against a Lions side who can kick goals from anywhere between 50 and 60 yards.

"It's about being quick to adjust."

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Rory Best captained the Lions to a 34-6 victory over Chiefs in Hamilton on Tuesday but his fellow Irishman Peter O'Mahony looks set to skipper the side against the All Blacks, with Cane wary of the physicality he offers the Lions.

"He is obviously a very strong lineout forward, an uncompromising sort of player who leads by example," Cane added.

"He has got quite a rugged approach to the game."

Watch the All Blacks v British and Irish Lions on Saturday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7:30am.

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