All Blacks legend Sam Whitelock was hailed as a “God-like” figure by Scott Robertson after returning from an Achilles injury to play 80 minutes in the Crusaders’ tense Super Rugby grand final win on Saturday night.
Whitelock was named man of the match for the second grand final straight and it came after All Blacks management felt he should have been stood down due to his injury, with the Rugby Championship and World Cup looming.
“His performance to go 80 minutes, he wasn’t coming off. He loved it,” Robertson said.
“We think he’s an immortal in the game. He’s a God-like figure with what he’s done. The amount of games he’s played, when he was captain, year after year, he rises up every day. For him to have that moment is pretty special.
“In his mind he was always going to play, it was his Achilles that was going to say no. The doc said no but it’s the way he is with his mindset.”
All Blacks coach Ian Foster had predicted Whitelock would miss the game but the 34-year old was immense as the Crusaders swept to a seventh straight title.
“The body is definitely sore I think I’ll be in a bit of trouble with All Blacks management but so good to sign off for a number of guys who have had a massive career with the Crusaders,” Whitelock said afterwards.
Samuel Whitelock celebrates. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
It was Whitelock’s final game for the club with a move to France coming up after the World Cup.
“It’s not the season I wanted. I haven’t played a lot,” Whitelock said. “I had the broken hand and niggly Achilles but it was so good to get out on the field. It was touch and go. I knew I had to make the decision in the warm up. It was good enough so that was the main thing.”
While it turned out right for Whitelock he almost handed Damian McKenzie a chance to win the game late on when he conceded a penalty just inside the Chiefs’ half. DMac’s long range effort pulled up short.
“I knew it was right on Damian’s range. I was crossing everything,” Whitelock said.
Crusaders captain Scott Barrett, another who produced a champion effort, in the tough win, also talked up his Test teammate.
“He’s a calming influence. You know you’ve got someone who is an immortal of our game. He’s a winner, he’s a competitor,” Barrett said. “He lays everything out there and I’m immensely proud to call him a mate. He’s given so much to this jersey over 14 or so years.”
It was also the end of the line for Robertson at the Crusaders – at least for now. He departs for the All Blacks with seven titles and seven breakdances.
“It feels awesome because nothing is given, everything is earned,” Robertson said, who also raved about his playmaker Richie Mo’unga.
“Richie was sublime. He’s a genuine world-class finals footballer. He’s a winner, he stays in the fight and he’s clutch. We’re going to miss everyone. The next two days we’re not – because we’re going to make sure they participate heavily.
“I’m really proud to call myself a Crusader as a player and a coach. You don’t often get to coach a team you play for and be successful in both.
“I’ve been going to Rugby Park for 23 years in different capacities. The Crusaders have given me an incredible amount of opportunities. I’m thankful so to finish on this note is special because it could’ve been the other way.”
It was of course, a completely different mood on the losing side of the finale.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan summed it up: “It sucks, eh.”
The Chiefs suffered three yellow cards in the game – leaving them a mountain to climb. They fell agonisingly short.
“We threw enough bullets to win the game, on a different night maybe we would’ve got the job done,” McMillan said.
“There’s nothing between these two teams, anyone could’ve won this game. Unfortunately it wasn’t us.
“The championship is defined on a few moments tonight, but a few moments don’t define this team.”
McMillan had to do without three of his best with Sam Cane, Anton Leinert-Brown and Luke Jacobson all spending time in the bin.
“It’s going to be tough to beat the Crusaders when you have three yellow cards,” McMillan said.
“It’s one of those things where I’ll have to have a good look and determine if they were the right calls.
“The referee obviously deemed it was. And I think that that probably played a part in the outcome.”
The penalty count went 15-8 against the Chiefs and the game started with a 6-0 run to the Crusaders.
“I honestly think the biggest call, momentum-swinger, was what I thought was a clear and obvious forward pass just before halftime,” McMillan said of a moment that drew astnishment on social media.
“That gives us a scrum, we apply some pressure down that end of the field. [Instead], they score off the play after. That’s a big moment.
“I don’t want to bag the referee. The crowd did that at the end of the game, maybe that says something.”
The post-match presentations for the officials were soured when the quartet of Ben O’Keeffe, Angus Gardner, Nic Berry and Brendon Pickerill were loudly booed.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Well, it was a 15-9 penalty count, and your team did get 3 cards… so why would I question reality – that’s literally what happened. I am confused why you think anyone would dispute that? Yes very clear Bias there. Cheers If you were, then Crusaders didn’t score off it. They didn’t even score off that possession. They scored off the lineout very soon after which they would not have if the ref called it. Again Cheers. Appreciate you seeing the facts.
Atapene
Roar Rookie
Hey mate who was the first player yellow carded for the season? Just curious. What were the disciplinary records compared next to each other before the game? Have a look
Atapene
Roar Rookie
He shouldn't be sanctioned, but we can recognize its a bit poor form. Heres a guy who claims not to watch back games his team loses, blaming refs for a loss. I mean at least do the minimum
Atapene
Roar Rookie
We are seeing how true that is right now, no question
Atapene
Roar Rookie
He basically claimed the match hinged on the fwd pass. The chiefs even got the ball back after that before saders scored. He questioned the 3 clear cards which for a neutral are 100% correct calls, plus no mention of ALB red no-call. Just take it like an adult
Atapene
Roar Rookie
I don't want to bag the ref..... instantly bags the ref in the NEXT SENTENCE Lol
Atapene
Roar Rookie
Oh please. What's frustration got to do with it? He was warned multiple times and on his goal line where he knew any infraction would be a card. Its a simple calc, not worth anything with any risk. But he took the risk, misjudged, and so was binned. Hes a pro. This is his living. Frustration should have nothing to do with it. The AB cap you would think would have the discipline to be smart under pressure
Atapene
Roar Rookie
There must be something the player group see in him, but just compare his demeanor talking to refs with barret, whitelock, savea. He's obviously asking questions but he plays it up hard done by all the time, unlike the others who ask questions too but then nod and agree and let the ref know they accept his ruling. He just doesn't have the same surety and comms as those other guys. He must make up for it in the talks we don't see but if he's going to talk to the refs at the wc he should model the others
Atapene
Roar Rookie
The guy just can't keep his foot out of his mouth. Why make a call that isn't his call to make? Ditto talking about players not texting him back... why tar a big group with a bitter tag? He's clueless
Atapene
Roar Rookie
Incredible levels of whinging from complacent chiefs coach, captains and fans. Thought that going in first seed and having a great squad on paper meant it was their time and the saders would politely step aside and clap them to the title. Bit naive. And utterly classless this fan reaction. Seen people on other sites wishing violence on the officials, disgusting. The fact mcmillan doesn't watch games he loses is a massive red flag for a young coach who isn't able to separate his emotions from his teams performance. Understandable, as it hurts, but he's got to move through that.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Aw JD those semi finals were refereed by referees from a nation known for its rugby genius, sense of fairness and all round good looks. Bendy Ben didn’t stand a chance. Hey let’s start a Ref Cup! (Cmon Chiefs fans, you know you want to) Like the Roar tipping comp. With a few ‘objective’ measures: - Consistency (or lack of) - 50/50 Call count (much more compelling than penalty counts) - Obligatory Howler (TMO carding the Fijian Junior for ?…..?….,…..?) - Please Explain…..Angus, Nic, Jaco! Ben? Jaco!!! Wayne. Ben? JACO!!! - SpecSaver Sure Thing. Well may we say it SHOULD be about the game, IT ISN’T always. If we can’t beat the whinging give them (not me, I never whinge) their own show. Finally, a comp that Aussie Super fans can win at. Tony? A column with a prize? A golden labrador?
Rubbish Surf 69
Roar Rookie
Get off your high horse, far out. What a ridiculously general comment that has no basis. Everyone whinges about refs, all the time. Like NZ supporters are such angels.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
I'm not a huge fan of coaches and players being placed under the mike so soon after such an emotional roller-coaster. McMillan made some sound comments but complaining about his sides' sanctions is unhelpful. Crusaders adapted better than the Chiefs to O'Keefe, whom I thought had a pretty decent outing in what was a tricky event. There were some questionable rulings but I'm pretty sure they went both ways and that O'Keefe communicated well and with authority. It could be argued that a penalty and another sin-binning could have come prior to Taylor's second try as the Chiefs defended the Crusaders' maul on their line. Big Sam is a legend in red and black and just black. A genuine warrior and master of the dark. He was monumental in Hamilton but so many of his team-mates were also deserving. They had to be because the Chiefs were as good and sometimes better. Probably fitting that the clincher came from the Crusaders set-piece. Helluva game from both sides. Great spectacle.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Cannonball. inexplicably I have friends who played in the forwards, even front row. One prop told me that I make the cut because they have an inclusion quota, and I have been lucky enough to get the token non-rugby spot.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Credit is necessary where Credit is due - 7 title on the trot....what a Coach and his Team plays his game perfectly....the ABs are in for a treat
CUW
Roar Rookie
and in the very first match of the season reffed chiefs won !!! :laughing: :silly: :laughing: :silly: :laughing: :silly: :laughing: :silly: :laughing: :silly: :laughing:
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
No, it was before. When you're the All Black coach past teams are irrelevant. It's his job to look after the All Blacks. It must be obvious to you that if an All Black does his Achilles this week that's bad for the All Blacks.
WEST
Roar Guru
I’m pretty sure an Aussie in that position wouldn’t be very happy either.. It would take an unusually self restrained man to not be upset.. or do Aussies never complain?? Nope. They complain even when an Aussie team isn’t involved!
WEST
Roar Guru
Funny.. Richie McCaw has only had 3 yellow cards in his 143 test career.. But he did concede a lot penalties.. Around 1.48/2 penalties per match. But you would think he held The World Records for cards.. The way everyone talks about him :laughing:
WEST
Roar Guru
I thought we were talking about yellow cards.. A lot players go entire careers without a card. Some collect double digits in cards.