Wellington Lion’s Peter Lakay celebrates
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The All Blacks’ decision to take former captain Sam Cane on an end-of-year tour has paid off for new signing Peter Lakay.

Hurricanes v Wellington in open play Lakai has been called up to the All Blacks squad after injuries to three free forwards and the uncapped flanker could make his debut this weekend against Japan in Tokyo in the first match of the All Blacks’ five-game end-of-year tour. Northern Hemisphere.

The 21-year-old was about to head to training in Wellington ahead of the NPC semi-final win over Waikato last week when he received the good news.

Peter Lakay of the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby Pacific – Hurricanes v Chiefs match at Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, Saturday 13 April 2024. Credit: Masanori Udagawa / www.photosport.nz
Photo: Masanori Udagawa

“Ray (All Blacks coach Scott Robertson) called me last Monday. I was getting ready to go to Lions practice and he called me and it just went from there,” Lakai said.

Despite being upset that he will miss Wellington’s home final against Bay of Plenty, Lakai is keen to make the most of his All Blacks experience and share a room with former captain and Test centurion Kane.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity. To learn from some older guys like Sam, take some of his experience and take my game to the next level.”

“I’m up there with guys in my position like Ardie and Sam Cane. Sam Kane is my space man, so I go around him. He helps me with everything I’m not sure about,” Lakai said.

Sam Cane made 100 appearances for the All Blacks earlier this year.
Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz

“Sammy is very good. He helps me figure out the details and everything, but when we’re in our room, there’s not a lot of football talk. We like to relax a little.”

Ardie Savea, Lakay’s former Hurricanes teammate, was also a willing mentor.

“Ardie was an outstanding person. He is a great leader, especially in terms of his actions. No matter what he does, a guy like him is pretty easy to follow. He’s quite influential.”

Lakai tries to learn as much as possible while staying ready to play. He will make his debut this weekend.

“I’m just trying to figure out my details. I try not to be spoon-fed too much. Get over your role and be brave in your preparation and if the opportunity (to play) comes, it will come.”

The All Blacks team to face Japan will be named at 4pm today (NZT) and there are expected to be a few changes to the squad that finished the Rugby Championship with victory over the Wallabies in Wellington.

The All Blacks play Japan on Saturday in Tokyo at 6.50pm (NZT).