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.”
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All of these media pundits always miss the obvious whenever they analyse what is ailing or assisting the game. Rugby always has contentious points for debate when picking apart individual games and finding fault with itself. All this focus and scrutiny on “speeding up the game”, “high ball in play” etc is all contextual to the fan. As a tv viewer, if you’re absorbed into a game, regardless if your team is playing or not, more ball in play time and action are all byproducts of the contest. A good contest subliminally affects your memory in selectively remembering all the good aspects. A poor contest and your brain has switched off because its a blowout and the result is never in doubt or it’s a real chore to watch and remain engaged throughout. The URC, Top 14 and English premiership are all competitions that feel like there’s real jeopardy each week. The dominance of Super rugby by NZ teams was unhealthy from a sustainable interest perspective. You can’t fault those teams or the players, but the lack of competitions won by SA and Australian teams long term was always going to test the faith and patience of die-hard and casual fans from those regions. SANZAR took their eye off the fans and fans voted with their feet and subscriptions. They were so concerned about expanding their product they forgot the golden rule about broadcasting live sport. Viewers tune in more when there’s an atmosphere and a true contest. You need to fill stadiums to create one, host unions need to do more to service ticket buyers, and this year proves the other, there’s more interest in Super rugby this year only because more games are competitive with less foregone conclusions. All these micro statistics bandied about, only interest the bean counters and trainspotters.
Go to commentsIt’s a good, timely wake up call for NZ Rugby (seem to be a few of them lately!) - sort out the bureaucratic nonsense at board level. We can’t expect to stay the number one option without keeping fans/players engaged. We’ve obviously been bleeding players to league for years but can’t let the floodgates open (although I think this headline is hyperbolic as it’s a result of a recent Warriors pathways system where they are tracking things more closely) Understand the need to focus boys on rugby if they’re at a proud rugby school too, don’t think it’s harsh at all re Barakat in Hamilton. Reward the committed players with squad positions. An elite 1st XV system in NZ has done more for league than they even realise, think it’s good to protect our game further.
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