All Blacks great insists ‘mere mortals’ should not ‘question’ Scott Robertson over possible Sam Whitelock call

Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains “can’t see a downside” to Sam Whitelock returning to New Zealand and resuming his international career.

Whitelock, who is the All Blacks’ most-capped player, turned 35 during last year’s global tournament, but reports suggest that Scott Robertson still believes that he can be a valuable asset at the highest level.

New Zealand Herald are claiming that Robertson is attempting to bring back the legendary second-row ahead of the July series against England.

Contract details

The great lock’s Test days appeared to be over following the Rugby World Cup after he signed a deal with Pau in the Top 14.

At the time, it was announced as a two-year contract but, according to the NZ Herald, it is a one-year commitment with the option of a second season.

Should Whitelock therefore head home at the conclusion of the northern hemisphere campaign, Mains insists that it would be of benefit to the All Blacks and the young forwards coming through.

“Sam Whitelock sits atop the great New Zealand All Black locks alongside Colin Meads so let’s get very clear,” he told Newstalk ZB.

“That guy is so loaded with experience and knowledge around the role of a lock that I think Scott Robertson is using his mana and bringing him in to help bring the young locks along.

“They’re going to have a couple of young players in the All Blacks this year, they’re gonna have to, and I think it makes very good sense.

“On top of that, who are us mere mortals to question what Scott Robertson wants to do? He knows about not only Sam Whitelock but about what’s required at that level of rugby.”

Opinion: An All Blacks recall for Sam Whitelock is a straightforward decision

Life after Retallick and Whitelock

Robertson is no doubt already planning his next long-term lock combination, with Brodie Retallick also currently plying his trade abroad.

Scott Barrett has stayed at the Crusaders, however, and will provide valuable experience in that position, but his partner for the upcoming Test season is unclear.

Patrick Tuipulotu, who has earned over 40 caps, could come in alongside Barrett, but below that the All Blacks’ options are very callow.

That is why Robertson reportedly wants Whitelock, who he coached in Christchurch, to return to New Zealand.

“I wouldn’t say we’ve got a hole (at lock). Because Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock have been there for us long and served the country so well, we only think we might have a bit of a hole,” Mains said.

“Let’s hope (Patrick) Tuipulotu comes right, stays free of injury, because he is a very, very good player.

“There are other young locks around that are just waiting to get the opportunity, like every new player into the All Blacks, waiting to get the opportunity and for someone like Sam Whitelock to fast-track (them) to become an experienced lock.

“What better coaching could a young lock get than from someone like Sam Whitelock?”

All Blacks’ options

Asked which new second-rows could make it in the international arena, Mains responded: “Pari Pari Parkinson impresses me. (Quinten) Strange who plays for the Crusaders impresses me. They’re big guys and they’ve got height and they’ve got ability.

“They may well be players who could step up to the next level.”

As for Whitelock himself, he is reportedly considering the offer, but it would be perfectly understandable should the great All Blacks second-row want to just pick up his lucrative pay packet and end his career in France.

“I think he’ll want to do whatever he can to help the All Blacks. He just strikes me as that sort of person,” Mains added.

“But having said that, he’s still an incredibly good rugby player and I believe that he will take the field in Tests, and even that is a great learning experience for whoever is locking with him.

“I can’t see a downside to be honest.”

READ MORE: Scott Robertson approaches All Blacks legend to return to New Zealand – report