Sir John Kirwan, an All Blacks icon, believes Sam Whitelock may play Test rugby into his late 30s after being linked with a transfer return to New Zealand.
Scott Robertson, the new national team head coach, is allegedly in negotiations with the second row about returning to the southern hemisphere for the July Tests.
Following the losses of Brodie Retallick and Whitelock, the All Blacks’ locking options appear to be limited.
Callow second rows
Although Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu have much of experience, the alternatives behind them are rather untested.
Former All Blacks head coach Laurie Mains has expressed support for a prospective Whitelock comeback, and Kirwan is also in that group.
The former winger had the similar thoughts on Beauden Barrett’s return, who will be ready for the 2024 Test season once his stay in Japan concludes.
“Do they start?” I do not think so. Do they come off the bench, and do they advance to the next World Cup? “I hope so,” Kirwan told The Breakdown.
One of the 59-year-old’s key reasons for “supporting” Whitelock’s comeback is that New Zealand “must win between World Cups, not just win the World Cup,” but he also sees the lock having a part in Australia in 2027.
“Will he start? No. However, the final 15 [minutes] of the next World Cup will be tight. Who do you want to run on? Someone with 20 or 152 Test matches?” Kirwan added.
Opinion: An All Blacks recall for Sam Whitelock is a simple choice.
Jeff Wilson, who is concerned about the long-term consequences, is more reserved, albeit appreciating his abilities.
“He’s the best student of the game at the lineout that we’ve had for a long time, probably ever, for what he brought to the All Blacks and what he brought to the Crusaders,” said the All Blacks captain.
“There’s no doubt that it’s something the All Blacks are looking at and seeing significant value in. The question mark I have is how often are you willing to do this when players travel abroad.”
Wilson also asked: “Are you comfortable with players walking straight back into the All Blacks?” Kirwan said, “At 152 Tests, I totally am.”
Are you playing at 40?
Kirwan would be pleased if Whitelock remained in the squad for the next three years, where he might perhaps play in the next World Cup at the age of 39.
Wilson, on the other hand, believes it would be a stretch for the Crusaders icon to compete in the worldwide competition at over 40 years old.
“Is the Rugby World Cup at 40? “I think that’s a little beyond my imagination,” he stated.
Wilson is not opposed to Whitelock playing this year, adding that “we shouldn’t forget how good he was at the Rugby World Cup coming off the bench.”
“In terms of what he could offer for a season in terms of maybe playing six or seven Test matches if he’s at the top of his game, I think that’s really valuable,” the 50-year-old said.
“I would be okay with this for a year, but I don’t want this to become the norm.”
