Rugby: Whitelocks formidable force

Sam Whitelock. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Whitelocks have made a serious impression on the Canterbury rugby scene, but they are taking a fair bit of stick these days.

All four brothers, loose forward captain George, centre Adam, lock Sam and youngest brother Luke will be in the stands at AMI Stadium tonight when the province defends the Ranfurly Shield against Counties Manukau.

Luke, a loose forward, has an excuse as he is only 19 and has made the national under-20 side and the Canterbury Colts. But his older brothers are copping a few vocal barbs.

Sam has withdrawn because of the All Black priorities and the others are both non-playing captains, like Colin Montgomerie in the Ryder Cup.

George has hurt a knee and Adam has not played after being concussed when he captained the side in a pre-season match against Tasman.

He has still not recovered fully but is immersed in planning and as the players' rep in management meetings. It is his second lengthy stand-down from concussion after taking a heavy blow three years ago.

Were he fit, Adam would still have a tough job pushing into the starting lineup with Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty all in strong form in the midfield.

"You might not get a lot of opportunity, but I believe if you stick around and give it a good go you will get a chance and you have to be ready then to step up."

Adam was the first of the brothers who headed out of the family's dairy farm in Linton to study accountancy in Christchurch while pursuing his rugby interests at the Canterbury Academy. The others all followed and their parents regularly visit to support their sporting brood.

"We were all pretty competitive from a young age and used to have some great scraps in the backyard," Adam recalled.

"But we all looked after each other too and that has carried on."

Adam remains the only back among the brothers. That does not faze him but he is frustrated by his lack of matchplay.

"I've had a bit of a yarn to Richie [McCaw] and sort of compared notes because he's been through a similar sort of thing with concussion," Whitelock said.

"I think the main thing is you know yourself when you are ready to play again. You have to be careful not to second-guess yourself. I've got good support and just have to follow the best advice I can get."

Whitelock was involved when Canterbury won the Shield the last time from Wellington but he was out injured when they lost it to Southland.

Canterbury have been fortunate they have been able to replace their injured forwards with All Blacks Brad Thorn and Owen Franks. The rest of the squad had lifted when the two tight forwards launched into their work this week. It was now up to the whole team to deliver.

Canterbury v Counties Manukau
Christchurch, 5.30pm today

Canterbury
Sean Maitland
T. Umaga-Marshall
Robbie Fruean
Sonny Bill Williams
Telusa Veainu
Colin Slade
Andy Ellis (c)
Nasi Manu
Matt Todd
Ash Parker
Isaac Ross
Brad Thorn
Owen Franks
Steve Fualau
Wyatt Crockett
Reserves: Paul Ngauamo, Andrew Olorenshaw, Rob Verbakel, Brendon O'Connor, Willi Heinz, Stephen Brett, Ryan Crotty.

Counties Manukau
Armyn Sanders
Ahsee Tuala
Siale Piutau
Tana Umaga
David Raikuna
Dean Cummins
Samisoni Fisilau
Viliami Fihaki
Mark Selwyn
Kolomatangi/Nabou
Jamie Chipman (c)
R. Raaymakers
Jono Owen
Grant Henson
Simon Lemalu
Reserves: Ilaisa Maasi, Graham Dewes, DJ Forbes, August Pulu, Rey Lee-Lo, Sherwin Stowers.