'I think I'll be in a bit of trouble with All Blacks management'

Sam Whitelock admits that he expects to face some tough questions from All Blacks coach Ian Foster after playing the full 80 minutes in the Crusaders' Super Rugby Pacific Final victory over the Chiefs with an ankle injury.

Whitelock acknowledged that his decision to push through the pain might not have pleased the All Blacks management, as Foster had initially anticipated him missing the final due to his injury.

With his Crusaders tenure coming to an end after 14 seasons and 181 matches, Whitelock felt the sacrifice was worthwhile to secure the silverware before joining French club Pau post-World Cup.

As the All Blacks prepare for their upcoming Rugby Championship match against Argentina, Whitelock foresees potentially uncomfortable conversations when the team gathers next week.

While his body is undoubtedly feeling the strain, Whitelock expressed his satisfaction at ending the Crusaders' season on a high note, particularly for the players who have had illustrious careers with the team. Notably, playmaker Richie Mo'unga and winger Leicester Fainga'anuku also bid farewell to the Crusaders as they embark on new journeys with overseas clubs.

“The body is definitely sore, I think I’ll be in a bit of trouble with All Blacks management, but it’s so good to sign off for a number of guys who have had massive careers with the Crusaders,” said Whitelock.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson lauded Whitelock's remarkable achievements, noting that he surpassed former teammate and All Blacks legend Richie McCaw by playing a record-breaking 24th Super Rugby playoff match.

“We think he’s an immortal in the game,” said Robertson. “He’s a god-like figure with what he’s done. The amount of games he’s played, when he was captain, year after year, he rises up every day.

“In his mind he was always going to play, it was his Achilles that was going to say ‘no’. The doc said ‘no’ but it’s the way he is with his mindset.”

With 143 Test caps under his belt, Whitelock is on track to potentially surpass McCaw's national record tally of 148 caps at the World Cup in France, making it a fitting swansong for the seasoned lock.