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.”
Comments on RugbyPass
“Cortez Ratima is light years ahead of anyone on current form, while TJ Perenara has also skyrocketed into contention following the unfortunate injury to the talented Cam Roigard.” At last some sanity. Hitherto so many pundits have been wittering on about Finlay Christie to the point one wondered if they were observing a FC in a parallel universe where the FC they saw wasnt just the mediocre Shayne Philpott project of Fosters hapless AB reign in the real world. Ratima, Perenara and Fakatava are the ONLY logical 9s for Razor now Roigard is crocked.
2 Go to commentsThis game was just as painful as the Hurricanes game. It was real fork-in-the-eye stuff.
2 Go to commentsNow if they could just fire the Crusaders ground PA guy who likes to play his dance music and just loves the sound of his own voice the entire game, even when play is going on. And I thought their brass band thing of a few years ago was bad.
5 Go to commentsUnfortunately when you lose by far the two form players this season in Roigard and Aumua, you're left replacing two game changing Tanks with a couple of pea-shooters. Which is also about the speed of TJs pass.
2 Go to commentsBit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going. And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
37 Go to commentsTamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
2 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
5 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
5 Go to comments