Sam Cane's form for the Chiefs shows he's ready to dominate the No 7 jersey in a huge year for the All Blacks.

Earmarked for greatness and groomed from a young age, Sam Cane now belongs among the world's premier openside flankers.

In truth, he has for some time. Perhaps more importantly, recent form for the Chiefs proves he's ready to dominate the coveted No 7 jersey and challenge the All Blacks captain in this monumental year.

Living up to the hype and justifying his anointment as the chosen one can't have been easy.

Part of the frustration for some centred of the presumption that, until this year, Cane wasn't the best openside at the Chiefs. How, then, could he be considered second in line nationally?

The reality was those charged with overseeing his development were conscious of the need to manage his body and expectations in arguably the most brutally combative position on any rugby field.

Clearly the blueprint worked.

Only this year have we seen Cane on a consistent basis. And only now do we fully appreciate what others knew very early on.

"Like all players there will be people out there who doubt his ability," Chiefs coach Rennie said in reference to Cane's early-career critics.

"He's been phenomenal. He's very level headed – not the type of guy to worry about what people think. He's confident in his abilities and he's determined not just to be an All Black but be a bloody good one. He's played a fair bit of test footy already but he's in a position now where he could dominate the seven jersey.

"Richie McCaw is a great player and I'm sure he'll play a big part in the World Cup. If he was to get injured, there's no doubt Sam is ready."

Crucially, Cane is expected to follow Brodie Retallick and Julian Savea's lead, along with Dane Coles, and commit his long-term future to New Zealand Rugby in the coming weeks. His will be another invaluable addition.

"We're losing lots of players overseas," Rennie said.

"I know New Zealand Rugby are working really hard to stem the flow. It's not easy with massive money being thrown about. It's great that a number of those guys are looking to stay on long-term."

The departure of veteran Tanerau Latimer last year signalled the end of Cane's nurturing phase. He has since thrived on regular game time; averaging 74 minutes in 12 starts for the Chiefs before last night's match against the Highlanders.

In those displays he's outscored McCaw in every category, making 54 more carries, 113 more metres, 49 more tackles, 16 more offloads and beaten 12 more defenders than the All Blacks skipper, who played one less game.

Succession planning hit the mark. There's little doubt Cane will assume McCaw's mantle next year – if not before – and accept the responsibility and leadership that comes with it. Dynamic Hurricanes tyro Ardie Savea is pressing his claims, though more from an attacking perspective, and the Crusaders' Matt Todd will challenge, too. But the position is Cane's to lose.

"It wasn't until now I realised the impact of playing seven or eight games on the trot," Cane said, six stitches above his left eye testament to those regular rugged collisions.

"Before that the most I started in a row was probably three. Looking back it was probably good as a young guy as your body is still developing and you're still getting used to the demands of Super Rugby. This year I'm really enjoying the extra minutes."

It's easy to forget Cane turned 23 at the start of this year and already has the same number of test caps. As the humble Reporoa lad edges further towards the back-seat of the Chiefs bus – with only Liam Messam, Hika Elliot, Tim Nanai Williams and Aaron Cruden behind him – maturity is an obvious asset.

"When I sit in the bus I'm only a couple of seats from the back. There's a core group who came in with Tom [Coventry] and Dave and we're starting to clock up some games. I'm definitely one of the senior boys in the Chiefs squad now which is something that's crept up as a surprise but I'm enjoying it."

Notable improvements in Cane's game are ball carrying and physicality. He's now more selective about where he's needed, rather than committing to every ruck and attempting to win every turnover. Those increments haven't gone undetected.

"Sam has taken his game to another level," former All Blacks openside Michael Jones said.

"His evolvement and enhancement has been noticeable for me.

"It's always tough when you're No 2 to Richie and people are always wanting to compare you. That's a hard benchmark but he's really grown up a lot this year. He's stamping his authority and setting his own benchmark.

"We've always had riches in this position and Sam is definitely putting the most pressure on Richie. That's good for Richie. By no means is he over the hill, but there's still a long way to go until the World Cup and if there is an injury, Sam is there.

"Potentially it is Sam's time," Jones said.

"He's been waiting in the wings and there's no doubt he's ready to step up. He's proven that right throughout Super Rugby this year. He brings that youth, exuberance and rawness but there's a lot more finesse and maturity to his game now."

McCaw is the perfect example of how the role of an openside has evolved dramatically. Clean steals are difficult to come by and so they must do more elsewhere; to carry and clean out along with the usual cover lines and core duties. The modern seven must be multi-skilled, athletic and adaptable.

"I've probably got more of a balance to my game now," Cane assessed.

"In terms of rucks hit, carries and tackles my numbers are a lot more even. With the physicality a lot of it is a mindset thing but also trying to get close so you can drive into contact and hit with your shoulders more."

Comfortable and confident best summarises Cane's coming of age.

With the World Cup looming, he couldn't have timed his run better.

"It's hard to not read about it and think about what's ahead but you really want to do well here first and foremost."

Can't argue with that attitude, either.