'Before Itoje, before Retallick, always give it to Sam Whitelock': All Blacks centurion turns back the clock with superlative sudden death showcase
Head back two years and it almost looked like Samuel Whitelock’s career with the All Blacks might have been coming to an end.
The then 30-year-old looked a shadow of his former self at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and was thoroughly outplayed by the likes of Maro Itoje and Courtney Lawes in New Zealand’s semi-final loss to England.
An extended break following that competition, however, saw Whitelock rest up his body and return to NZ in time for the Crusaders’ successful run to the Super Rugby Aotearoa title in 2020.
Whitelock was supposed to play out the season in Japan’s Top League before returning for the international calendar but the Japanese competition was called off early in the piece due to the impacts of the global pandemic.
The former Crusaders captain looked back to best when he finally returned for his side in their late June clash with the Hurricanes and had seemingly bucked the stagnation of 2019.
He was also excellent for the All Blacks in their matches against the Wallabies and Pumas in last year’s compacted international season – but the 32-year-old has seemingly taken things to a new level this year and has been the best lock in the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition and will be in the pole position to take over from Sam Cane as captain of the national side thanks to the Chief’s long-term injury.
In last night’s grand final, Whitelock was on a one-man mission to prevent his opposition from getting any front-foot ball and was an absolute menace in the lineouts.
While the Chiefs have never had the most reliable of set-pieces, their lineout has been relatively safe in 2021 with most issues stemming from the ball not being delivered straight.
Whitelock tormented Samisoni Taukei’aho and Bradley Slater, however, snaffling three clean steals off the young hookers – the most by any player in any game over the past two seasons.
The commentators were quick to highlight that the Chiefs had opted for a shorter lineout for the match, shifting regular blindside flanker Mitch Brown into the second row instead of reinstating Naitoa Ah Kuoi, who was on the comeback from concussion. Whitelock would been just as impactful against taller timber because it wasn’t his height that was giving him an advantage, it was his aerial prowess.
"If you need someone to create a hole in the opposition midfield, you give the ball to Leicester Fainga’anuku. If you’re looking for someone to glide through one, then David Havili is your man."#SuperRugbyAotearoa #CRUvCHI #AllBlacks
?? @TomVinicombe https://t.co/jFJ1DwW0kR
— The XV Rugby (@TheXV) May 8, 2021
Whitelock leads the standings in lineout steals over the past two campaigns with seven to his name and has taken 20 more lineouts overall than the next best receiver, Highlanders flanker Shannon Frizell.
Despite having up-and-coming NZ prospects Mitch Dunshea and Quinten Strange in their stables, the Crusaders have turned to Whitelock and Scott Barrett time and time again this year – and it’s easy to see why.
The Crusaders ultimately emerged 24-13 victors in last night’s grand final and while Richie Mo’unga will receive many of the plaudits thanks to his second-half showcase on attack, it was the work of Whitelock that ultimately gave the Crusaders the platform they needed to secure their fifth title in as many seasons.
Fans on social media were quick to share their love for the second-rower, however, with Argentinian ESPN journalist Emiliano Soria suggesting that Whitelock was the premier lock in world rugby.
En cualquier pack del mundo, en cualquier lugar, antes que Itoje, antes que Retallick, siempre damelo a Sam Whitelock. Siempre. Jugadorazo con todas las letras. #SuperRugbyAotearoa
— Emiliano Soria (@EmilianoSoria9) May 8, 2021
One bloke not getting due kudos is Sam Whitelock. He has dominated at lineout, carried very well and in general play has not been surpassed.
— Merv Robertson (@MervRobertson) May 8, 2021
Whitelock is on job today…pinching all Chiefs lineouts #CRUvCHI
— Frank Degzi Kidega (@TheRealDegzi) May 8, 2021
Man our lineouts are under pressure. Whitelock and Barrett are a problem out there. Let's take the 3 where we can boys. #CRUvCHI
— Such Is Life…. (@EnslinMavunga) May 8, 2021
While New Zealand is blessed with excellent locking stocks at present, including Barrett, Dunshea, Strange, Patrick Tuipulotu and Tupou Vaa’i, Whitelock will be a guaranteed pick for Ian Foster in the second row – and will likely be given the captain’s armband to boot.
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments