Autumn Nations Series: Will Jordan pays tribute to New Zealand team-mates Sam Cane and TJ Perenara in final bow

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New Zealand bounced back from their 30-29 defeat to France to cap off their Autumn Nations Series campaign with a 29-11 victory in Italy on Saturday evening. The match marked the final international appearances for Sam Cane and TJ Perenara, and speaking after the match, All Blacks team-mate Will Jordan was full of praise for the pair of "special" competitors.

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New Zealand’s Will Jordan hailed Sam Cane and TJ Perenara after his All Blacks team-mates made their final appearances for the country in a 29-11 win over Italy.

The All Blacks bounced back from their narrow 30-29 defeat to France last weekend, capping off a commendable Autumn Nations Series campaign with a comfortable victory in Turin.

Cane retires with 104 caps, while Perenara amassed 89 - leaving Scott Robertson without two vastly experienced options when they next take to the field.

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Jordan starred for the team on Saturday as they won in Italy, and speaking to TNT Sports after the victory, he paid tribute to both his departing team-mates.

"Two special guys in the All Blacks," he said. "They've been huge parts of the group since I've been in the team and even before that.

"Sammy [Cane] was obviously captain for four or so years. Just a real warrior, always put his body on the line, always gave everything for the black jersey. TJ is someone I loved playing with.

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"He's a real competitor. He drives high standards among the group. He makes everyone better. So it was awesome to go out on a nice note tonight and really grateful for what they've done for this jersey."

TNT Sports expert Jake Polledri added: "We heard from Will Jordan how much he [Cane] means to the squad and internally how much of a big player he is, a big personality.

"And from the outside as well, especially from a back rower like myself, to watch that, 104 appearances, it's crazy to be at that top level, to be that elite an athlete for that long. He is just a role model, an icon."

Fellow TNT Sports expert and former England international Danny Care turned his attention to Perenara, saying: "He's a brilliant scrum-half, a guy I loved playing against. You had to raise your game for him.

"It must have been such an emotional night for him to lead the haka for his final time, and his 89th and final cap. TJ Perenara, a wonderful servant to New Zealand, a wonderful servant to rugby and the All Blacks will miss him."

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Watch and stream the Autumn Nations Series on TNT Sports and discovery+

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