Lakai likely to replace Cane in number 7 jersey for France clash

Hurricanes’ one-test All Black loose forward Peter Lakai is tipped to replace veteran flanker Sam Cane and make his first start for the All Blacks in the number 7 jersey against France this week in Paris.

This was a hint dropped by Assistant Coach Scott Hansen while he was talking about Cane’s unfortunate exodus from the squad due to injury.

Hansen spoke about the impact of Cane’s unavailability and the opportunity it had presented to someone like Lakai.

The 21-year-old Lakai is one of New Zealand’s most exciting young players and is dubbed as an explosive ball carrier for the Hurricanes and Wellington.

Lakai was drafted into the All Blacks squad when they assembled for the first time under new coach Scott Robertson in June but managed to earn his first test cap after Dalton Papali’i, Luke Jacobson and Ethan Blackadder were all ruled out with injury at the start of the northern tour.

The All Blacks are due to name their team tonight.

Meanwhile, the France squad is headlined by star halfback Antoine Dupont.

The All Blacks will take on France at 8am this Sunday in Paris.