Sam Cane earned praise from Steve Hansen for his ability to replace Richie McCaw © Getty Images

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Matches: New Zealand 41 - 33 Australia

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The All Blacks hope lingering doubt about the quality of Sam Cane can be cast aside following his influential performance in the Bledisloe Cup defeat of Australia.

Cane arguably was the best player on the field as New Zealand defeated Australia 41-33 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, producing a performance that defied his late call-up. Injuries late in the week to captain Richie McCaw and wing Cory Jane meant Cane and another 21-year-old, Charles Piutau, were called into the starting line-up. Right wing Piutau was also among New Zealand's best on his run-on debut, emphasising the depth being developed by the world champions.

Steve Hansen has been impressed with Cane all year, and the All Blacks coach hopes the industry shown by the flanker in his 13th Test, and sixth start of the year, will sway those who still believe a gulf exists between the Chiefs youngster and 120-Test legend McCaw.

"Once again, he's just proven to us all that he's worthy of challenging for that seven jersey," Hansen said. "We've known for a long time that he's a quality person and a quality player. He's just getting better and better with the time he's getting."

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Cane said he enjoyed the fast, open nature of the game and the thrill of finishing off a sublime team try midway through the first half. But he said the All Blacks were guilty of abandoning their structure at times.

"The disappointing part for us was we'd often score points and then let them off the hook by letting a few in straight away," Cane said. "When they're throwing the ball around, it can be easy to get sucked into that game as well."

Cane is feeling more comfortable with every Test, and he is relishing future battles with Wallabies No.7 Michael Hooper, who was among the visitors' best players.

Piutau was pleased with his lively, error-free display highlighted by his chasing and low, hard tackling that cut down a number of potential Australian attacks.