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Sam Whitelock: How I heard I wouldn't captain the All Blacks

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Sam Whitelock admits he “would have loved the opportunity” to captain the All Blacks, revealing he was told of Sam Cane’s appointment shortly before the news became public this month.

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Head coach Ian Foster’s decision to overlook Whitelock surprised many. The 115-test lock was deemed the obvious choice to succeed Kieran Read after the All Blacks’ failed Rugby World Cup campaign last year.

“I would have loved to have the opportunity but at the same time, I know so much goes into it and you don’t need the captaincy armband to help people and make a difference,” Whitelock said.

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“Sam’s going to need all the help and support he can get from everyone that’s in the All Blacks environment and I’m keen to help him out where I can.

“There’s definitely some upsides to me worrying about myself playing well first and then obviously helping him where I can if he needs it.”

Whitelock said he appreciated Foster contacting him about the decision a few days before the announcement.

“I was very thankful to get the heads up just before it was released and it allowed me to work out how I can help Sam, help Fozzy [Foster] out and work out what’s the best step for me going forward and where I can have the greatest influence and impact.”

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Whitelock, 31, returned from Japan to spend lockdown in New Zealand after his plans to play overseas were derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. He is now back with the Crusaders for Super Rugby Aotearoa, starting next month.

Despite a whirlwind few months, settling back into the team has been surprisingly easy, Whitelock said.

“It’s been pretty funny walking back into training. My first day back was Wednesday and Razor [Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson] said to me, ‘does it feel like you’ve been away six months?’, and I said, ‘it feels like I’ve been away for a month’,” Whitelock said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYqCeIAunX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“Even though there’s been so much going on – obviously playing in Japan, coming back to New Zealand for lockdown and spending that in the Hawke’s Bay, and then getting back here on Monday.

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“So it seems like we’ve packed a lot into the past six months but it’s been pretty enjoyable. I’m just excited like everyone else; we want to get out there and play now. We’ve just got to do the right things and hopefully we’ll get that opportunity pretty soon.”

Whitelock will also have the opportunity to step away from his captaincy role with the Crusaders when Scott Barrett takes over the armband – something he admits may take some time to adjust to.

“It’s going to be interesting. I know my personality. I want to help out the team wherever I can. [Barrett]’s been awesome the past three days I’ve been at training. He’s leading really well and he’s got some great guys around him.

“So for me it’s slotting back in and watching, listening and see what’s happening. Then commenting or getting up alongside Scooter [Barrett] and saying ‘have you thought about this’ or ‘have you tried something else’.

“I’ve just got to make sure I don’t speak too much and help out where I can. So I’m looking forward to that challenge. It’s going to be completely different to what I’ve had over the past three years.

“It’s a change but it’s similar to what Kieran did for me. So hopefully I can help out Scooter when he needs, but he’s been outstanding at the start of the season and he’s been really good on the three days I’ve been back. So I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

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R
RedWarrior 50 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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