Perenara Backs NZ's Next Generation of Halfbacks Ahead of His Wellington Farewell

All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara paid tribute to flanker and former captain Sam Cane, with whom he will play his last Test in New Zealand in the Lipovitan D Rugby Championship Test in Wellington on Saturday.

Perenara said, "I played schools with him, 20s and played against him a lot through Super Rugby and then with him in this team a lot too.

"His influence on this team won't be forgotten. He's been an amazing captain and player for this team. He's someone you can rely on; you know he will show up for you week in and week out.

"We can always count on him."

Perenara was delighted his last Test will be on his home ground and is looking forward to playing the game and whatever else the year may hold. Then, he will head to Japan and spend more time with his family while playing in a new competition.

Another enjoyable factor was he will start the game with long-time first five-eighths partner Beauden Barrett.

"When they named the team the other day, and I saw Beauden's name, we played a lot of games at nine and 10 for the Hurricanes and spent a lot of time in the Stadium together. So, to be able to go out there with my bro at 10, it's something I'm excited for and something I'll cherish."

When he does leave the side, Perenara is confident it will be well served by its future halfbacks.

Cortez Ratima played well last week in Sydney and had played at a high level all year.

"We've got some very good young nines coming through New Zealand rugby. Cam Roigard is close to being back playing as well, and we all know what he's done in this jersey and the Hurricanes jersey in the past.

To get him back to full fitness and hopefully playing at the same level, if not better, is something we all want.

"And then you've got Noah [Hotham] there as well who's been playing well, and then some guys who are unlucky not to be in this team as well with Finlay [Christie] and Folau [Fakatava]. It shows the quality of nines we have at the moment."

He was keen to see the lack of wins at the Stadium since 2018 resolved on Saturday.

"We need to sort that out. That's our job, to play better here. We haven't been successful here in the last wee while, so we understand that a field or a region doesn't determine whether you win or lose. We have to own our performance this weekend and we're looking forward to doing that."

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu said his time out with his injured calf muscle was frustrating because it was not an injury he had had before, and it meant missing out on games against Argentina and South Africa.

"It's hard being on the sideline, being at home when you feel you can have a bit of input or where I felt I could have given something to the team. But that's all part of it and I'm happy to be back and ready to go."

The final 20 minutes of Tests have been an area of weakness for the side, and it was up to the bench crew to do their job when they came onto the field.

"We're not just watching the game as it's going [from the bench]. We're deep into it and seeing where we can have good input or see where we can add value."

Tuipulotu said his replacement during his injury break, Tupou Vaa'i, has been outstanding.

"He's come into his own this year. He's helping lead the forward pack with his work in the lineout and around the park. I've been impressed with how he's gone about his work. I got to play with him in his first year and have seen his rise. He has a bright future, and I feel quite proud."

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