Ex-All Blacks coach sees no ‘downside’ in Sam Whitelock’s possible return

Former New Zealand coach Laurie Mains “can’t see a downside” in Sam Whitelock potentially returning to the All Blacks after the legendary lock was reportedly approached by Scott Robertson.

Whitelock, who is the most-capped All Black of all-time with 153 appearances at Test level, was thought to have retired from the international game after last year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner signed a deal with French Top 14 club Pau in May last year, which set the stage for what was believed to be one last season in the black jersey.

But Whitelock is reportedly “considering returning to New Zealand” after a discussion with All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, according to New Zealand Herald journalist Gregor Paul.

With Whitelock turning 36 in October, some rugby fans have questioned why coach Robertson would want the second-rower back in black as the New Zealand national team ushers in a new era.

Initially, Laurie Mains was the same, but after thinking about it, the former All Blacks coach couldn’t understand why “mere mortals” would question the possible return of Whitelock.

“Sam Whitelock sits atop the New Zealand great All Black locks alongside Colin Meads so let’s get very clear,” Mains said on Newstalk ZB’s Sportstalk with D’Arcy Waldegrave.

“That guy is so loaded with experience and knowledge around the role of a lock that I think Scott Robertson is using his mana and bringing him in to help bring the young locks along.

“They’re going to have a couple of young players in the All Blacks this year, they’re gonna have to, and I think it makes very good sense.

“On top of that D’Arcy, who are us mere mortals to question what Scott Robertson wants to do? He knows about not only Sam Whitelock but about what’s required at that level of rugby.”

Whitelock, who secured a famous steal at the breakdown to secure New Zealand’s win over Ireland in last year’s quarter-final, was among a talented group to leave the All Blacks.

Along with the likes of Aaron Smith, Dane Coles and Richie Mo’unga, there are some holes that are still yet to be filled within the All Blacks, including at lock.

Second-rowers Whitelock and Brodie Retallick both planned to leave the All Blacks behind after the World Cup, and the pair take some invaluable experience with them.

That being said, with the likes of Super Rugby captains Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu, and Chiefs duo Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord expected to push for Test spots, there’s no question the All Blacks have some quality options at lock.

But Whitelock’s mentorship could make them all better, as Laurie Mains explained.

“I wouldn’t say we’ve got a hole (at lock). Because Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock have been there for us long and served the country so well, we only think we might have a bit of a hole.

“Let’s hope (Patrick) Tuipulotu comes right, stays free of injury, because he is a very, very good player.

“There are other young locks around that are just waiting to get the opportunity, like every new player into the All Blacks, waiting to get the opportunity and for someone like Sam Whitelock to fast-track (them) to become an experienced lock.

“What better coaching could a young lock get than from someone like Sam Whitelock?

“I think he’ll want to do whatever he can to help the All Blacks. He just strikes me as that sort of person,” he added.

“But having said that, he’s still an incredibly good rugby player and I believe that he will take the field in Tests, and even that is a great learning experience for whoever is locking with him.

“I can’t see a downside to be honest.

“Pari Pari Parkinson impresses me. (Quinten) Strange who plays for the Crusaders impresses me. They’re big guys and they’ve got height and they’ve got ability,” he continued.

“They may well be players who could step up to the next level.”