Former captain Sam Cane admitted hell need to fight to regain his place in the All Blacks team after being included on Sunday in their squad for the Rugby Championship.
Veteran flanker Cane was included in coach Scott Robertsons 36-man group despite having announced hell retire from international rugby at the end of this year, when he will take up a long-term Japanese club rugby deal with Suntory.
The 32-year-olds last Test was the Rugby World Cup final loss to South Africa in Paris last October, when he was sent off in the first half for a high tackle, leaving his team facing a mountainous task.
Cane wasnt named for New Zealands first three Tests of this year after undergoing back surgery in March but Robertson who this year succeeded Ian Foster as national coach has said he would consider the 95-Test veteran again due to his leadership qualities.
Cane said he was grateful for selection and would work hard to earn a place in the team for the first Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Wellington on August 10.
