Whitelock excited to play again

Editor

All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock says he is confident he will be healthy to play Ireland this Saturday if he is picked.

Whitelock has been out of action ever since injuring his ankle but says he is excited to get back out onto the pitch.

“We’ve first got to wait and see if I get selected and then if I can get through some of the things I haven’t done yet,” Whitelock told yahoo.com.

“But if I get out there, I’d love to have the opportunity to put my best foot forward.”

Whitelock said that New Zealand coach Steve Hansen was not impressed with their last showing against Ireland where the All Blacks lost 40-29 in Chicago.

“Steve drives it, but it’s a buy-in from everyone, the whole squad has to be honest with themselves and their performance.”