CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN

SAM WHITELOCK must surely lead the All Blacks through to the World Cup in France. He is a first choice at lock, is incredibly calm on the field, makes good decisions, has a good rapport with the referees and seems to be playing even better despite the huge workload.

Whitelock will turn 35 at the World Cup in France and should play his 150th test sometime during the tournament. It would be a fitting end to a stellar career if he were to lift the trophy in Paris.