Sam Whitelock, the Crusaders lock, has been cleared to start in the Super Rugby Pacific final against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday. This is despite All Blacks coach Ian Foster stating that he expected him to miss the match based on his injury. Whitelock’s inclusion in the team is a major boost for the reigning champions in their pursuit of their seventh title in as many years. The 34-year-old veteran has been sitting out due to a troublesome Achilles injury. However, he has trained hard over the last few weeks and has regularly submerged his foot in ice-cold water in a bid to speed up his recovery progress.
Whitelock has played only seven games this season as he was sidelined due to head and hand injuries. Last season, he was largely responsible for blowing up the Blues’ lineout in the final. Whitelock is the second-most capped player in Crusaders history, having played 180 games for the franchise. Many believed he would switch his focus to the upcoming World Cup in France, but he has shown his resilience and preparation throughout his career.
His inclusion in the team is one of two changes from the team that defeated the Blues in the semi-final last week in Christchurch. Former New Zealand under-20s captain, George Bell, who has not played all season after fracturing his ankle in February, has replaced hooker Brodie McAlister, who sustained a severe hamstring injury in the match against the Blues. Bell is a dangerous ball-runner who will bring punch off the bench, was touted as one of the players to watch ahead of the season.
Whitelock’s inclusion will provide the leadership required in front of some 23,000 fans at FMG Stadium Waikato. He is a seasoned campaigner who knows what it takes to win these types of games. Whitelock’s experience will be important when things get tight out there. He will aim to help send himself, coach Scott Robertson, pivot Richie Mo’unga, and utility Leicester Fainga’anuku off with another championship ring.
The Crusaders squad for the final is as follows:
Will Jordan, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Mitch Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Sione Havili Talitui, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (capt), Oli Jager, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: George Bell, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Reuben O’Neill, Quinten Strange, Dom Gardiner, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Chay Fihaki.
