Resigning easy call for No 8
ALL Blacks loose forward Luke Whitelock has resigned with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2019.
He has also recommitted to the Highlanders and Canterbury.
It was simple call for the No 8. He feels he is playing great rugby and wants to continue amassing tackles for his country, franchise and province.
‘‘There was a bit of a thought process throughout the year but I’m really excited and happy to be resigned for next year,’’ he said.
‘‘I still have a lot to give for the Highlanders and New Zealand.’’
Whitelock, who made his All Blacks debut in 2013, has played 84 Super Rugby matches, 34 of them for the Highlanders.
He also captained the franchise to a historic win against the British and Irish Lions in 2017.
‘‘I’ve loved my move down south. It has been really good for me. My partner challenged me to grow and really develop my game.
‘‘I love Dunedin and the people and playing under the roof.’’
Canterbury will also be very pleased to have secured his signature. He has led the team to three consecutive titles in the Mitre 10 Cup.
But it was the pull of playing for the All Blacks that helped strengthen his tether to New Zealand Rugby.
He resisted the temptation to chase a lucrative playing contract overseas and that patience has been rewarded.
He has been included in the All Blacks squad for the series against France this month. His brother, Sam Whitelock, is captaining the national team.
Whitelock has a busy month ahead, starting tonight, when the Highlanders host the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
He is not planning on holding back and preserving his body for the three tests.
‘‘We have a massive task in front of us playing at home against the Hurricanes. That is what you have to focus on at the moment.’’
Whitelock’s value to a team is best highlighted by his enormous work rate. He is never far away from the action and defensively he is one of the best in the tournament.
His teammate and fellow loosie Dillon Hunt is the tournament’s leading tackler with 165 tackles. Whitelock is four back on 161 and those are the sorts of statistics that impress coaches and get you selected.
His tally is likely to climb considerably tonight because the Hurricanes possess a talent group of strong ball runners.
‘‘When you look at their threats, if we can turn up defensively and shut down some of their playmakers, then that is obviously going to help us on the field.’’
The Highlanders may even decide to kick a little less in order keep the ball out of the hands of the Hurricanes’ potent back three.