Former New Zealand Sam Whitelock is a winner, history-maker, and one of the more legendary locks the rugby world has ever seen. There’s probably no better All Black to learn the arts of professionalism from, especially if you’re a young second-rower on the rise.
Whitelock was part of possibly the greatest rugby team of all time, the 2015 All Blacks, who won the nation’s second successive men’s World Cup crown. As a general at the lineout and workhorse around the field of play, Whitelock’s impact was imperative.
But, all good things must come to an end. Whitelock played Test number 153 in last year’s loss to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup Final, which was also the last match in black for others including Aaron Smith and Brodie Retallick.
With Whitelock and Retallick both stepping away from international rugby, the All Blacks had a changing of the guard. Coach Scott Robertson also came in as a replacement for Ian Foster, as the team prepared to usher in a new era in 2024.
The All Blacks currently hold a record of six wins from nine starts, with the New Zealanders falling to Argentina in Wellington and then two defeats away to the Springboks. But, there’s still cause to celebrate with some young talents emerging as world-class competitors.
Tupou Vaa’i might be the All Blacks’ best player at the moment.
From a consistency point of view, Vaa’i has been nothing short of outstanding. The 24-year-old came off the bench in both wins over England in July but has since gone on to start the next seven Tests at either No. 4 or 5 lock.
“Having a few starts under my belt has really built my confidence. To be able to get 80-minute performances in really helped me,” Vaa’i reflected in an interview with RugbyPass before the All Blacks’ clash with the Springboks in Cape Town.
“I guess the challenge is, how can I back that up week in, week out? To be honest, it’s something that I’m still trying to figure out and something that I’m trying to figure out, not just myself but my line coach which is Jason (Ryan) and obviously my mental skills coach which is Ceri (Evans).
“Still trying to find that little balance.
“I guess it comes down to my preparation during the week and obviously that mental side of footy as well. As a young fella coming real quick, it’s something that you don’t really think about, something that’s not really front of mind.
“But, as the years went on, I slowly learned off the older dogs, which is Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock and even Scooter (Scott Barrett) as well, just seeing how they prepare their week and how they get their mind and body right coming into Saturday.”
At just 24 years of age, Vaa’i has already proven himself as a leader.
In the tight five, Vaa’i has stood out as a reliable option at the set-piece, and as a player who leads with both actions and a seemingly unwavering sense of fearlessness. There seems to be a noticeable presence about Vaa’i, who has this year become a world-class option.
But, all this success as an established All Black comes back to what Whitelock told him years ago.
“One thing that comes to mind is what Sam said to me when I was younger, my first year in the All Blacks,” Vaa’i said.
“He said, ‘It’s good that you’ve made it now but it comes down to how can you back it up every year?’
“One good advice he said was, ‘Everyone’s going to start hunting you now because you’re one of the best in the world and New Zealand. You’ve got to keep fighting to be performing at your best every week.’
“That’s what I’ve been chasing.”
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