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Why Sam Whitelock is as hungry as ever to play for the All Blacks
By Finn Morton
Sam Whitelock may have played 143 matches for the All Blacks, but the veterans hunger is “exactly the same as it always is” ahead of a possible return to Test rugby.
After overcoming a persistent Achilles injury – or so the rugby world thought – Whitelock lined up for his 178th and final Crusaders appearance in last month’s Super Rugby Pacific Final.
The French-bound lock, who has signed for Pau for after this year’s Rugby World Cup, helped the Crusaders win their seventh title in as many years and was named the Player of the Final.
The champion Crusader had received the fairytale finish that he so rightly deserved in Super Rugby.
But Whitelock wasn’t quite at 100 per cent. That niggly Achilles injury returned, and the lock missed some training sessions once the All Blacks assembled in Auckland.
Whitelock travelled with the All Blacks to Argentina, but wasn’t named in the matchday 23. Then, a week later, the second rower was left out of the side to play South Africa.
But Whitelock appears to be nearing a return to the Test arena with the 34-year-old telling reporters that he is “in a really good spot” ahead of Bledisloe I.
“I was cleared to play last game but just not selected,” Whitelock told reporters on Monday.
“I got through the full training week, which was good, and obviously I was in Argie as well, so I’ve been in and around the team for the last couple of weeks.
“Hopefully, team selection goes my way and I get the chance to get out there.”
Whitelock has formed a formidable partnership with Brodie Retallick over more than a decade, and the pair are expected to play a key role in the All Blacks’ World Cup charge later this year.
But both places face some tough competition.
Rising stars Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord have impressed during the opening two Tests of the year, and Crusaders captain Scott Barrett is another proven option in the second row.
Whitelock said that “there is some heat” within the squad at second-row, but the veteran is just focused on what he can control – affirming that the “hunger is always there” to play Test rugby.
“The team has played really well the last two games,” he added.
“The hunger is always there and if your hunger changed, whether you’re starting, on the bench or not play, I’d be a little bit concerned about what your motivations are being here.
“My hunger is exactly the same as it always is – I want to be out there and playing good rugby for myself, but also helping the team in any way, whatever role that is.”
The All Blacks take on fierce rivals Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday evening.
New Zealand can lock up the Bledisloe Cup for another year with a win, and also secure The Rugby Championship title.
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Latest Comments
The manner of all these comments is that it doesn’t matter who plays No10 for the All Blacks, apparently they are all rubbish!
Seriously, people need to get a grip and stop obsessing over every tiny error made from an overscrutinised position. DMac was good this year for the most part, as was Beauden Barrett. Mo’unga was good last year and would be an asset in the group if he did come back. I don’t see it as an area of concern.
The main concern in 2025 is finding another world class lock and loose forward, followed by some scrutiny over the midfield combination in my view.
Go to commentsI was at this match. Jordie Barrett earned his money with a massive hit to slow a connaught attack to win the math when Leinster had 14 in the last few mins. Mack Hansen had a real go at the refereeing after citing a serious head hits on Iaone and Aki.
connaught were up for this. Snyman tried a trademark dirty after, and the onnaught 4 and the onnaught pack absolutely laid into him.
Leinster hose to kick to the corner when only winning by 5 with 10 left and qith only 2 tries scored. onnaught should have punisihed them for that utter stupidity after they broke out and Leinster yellowed to stop the attack.
13 changes from last week. It seems teams are scoring about 10 points less against Leinster this year. With Neinaber in his second year, the new attack coah established, surely they will be a bigger threat in champions up? Or will the attack recgress further.
They must adopt the SA philosophy of take your 3 pointers and the bonus points will come.
connaught back line inluding Iaone, Murphy, Aki, Forde, cordero is the seond best in Ireland surely. Leinster were lucky here
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