Legendary All Blacks second-rower Sam Whitelock feels the Barbarians still have a crucial role to play in the game as they prepare for their clash with the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday.
Whitelock, is one of Barbarians head coach Robbie Deans’ assistants, and is widely recognised as one of professional rugby’s most decorated players.0:00
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner is New Zealand‘s Test appearance record holder with 153 caps to his name and also won multiple Super Rugby titles during his stint with the Crusaders.
After retiring from the game as a player, after the Barbarians’ clash against Fiji at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham last June, the 36-year-old is now fully focused on his coaching career.
Whitelock stressed the importance of the famous invitational team in the global game and believes a tough challenge lies in wait for them against the world champions.
‘It is one of the coolest things in sport’
“The Barbarians is a very special club,” he said. “You have to be invited to play and to be a part of it. It brings together different nationalities and from different competitions and everyone comes together for the love of the game – it is one of the coolest things in sport,” he said.
“It has an important place in the rugby world, it needs to be a priority in the game. It’s important for the players as well as the fans.
“The environment is great, you get to spend time with people on and off the field and properly connect. We bring together all these players and that time together, getting to know them on a personal level is what helps everyone gel.
“It has been a really enjoyable couple of days so far
“I’m looking forward to see how the guys express themselves on Saturday. Everyone has connected really well and that’s important.
“For me as one of the coaches its about letting the players drive things for themselves, you are there to help feed information but this group are waiting to be told, they are experienced and taking the lead and that is what you want.
“Saturday is going to be a great occasion. The South African fans support rugby, they love the game and they will be looking forward to a proper contest and to enjoy the fixture.”
One of the players in the Baa-baas squad is Stormers stalwart Ruben van Heerden and Whitelock revealed that he has enjoyed working with the hard-working lock.
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“It’s been cool. We’ve had a bit of time to catch up, and have a yarn about rugby and what I am doing now,” he said of his conversations with Van Heerden.
“Some people (in the squad) I know really well, some I do not. He’s someone I didn’t know a lot about, but it’s been nice to get to know him personally.
“If there’s anything he wants to know, I’m an open book. I’ll help him however I can.
‘He’s got plenty of motivation’
“I’m really looking forward to seeing him get out there and play. He’s got plenty of motivation.”
Whitelock admits that he is enjoying his time as a coach after an illustrious playing career from 2008 to 2023.
“I still travel with my mouthguard in the kit bag but know it needs to stay there!” he added.
“I’m really enjoying helping the next generation. I had some great support when I was a player and I want to try and pass that support and knowledge on. I would be upset with myself if I didn’t.
“It doesn’t mean my opinion is always right, players can have their own view, for me its just passing on that advice which is important.”
