OPINION: Sam Whitelock was always going to be in this team, and as the first All Blacks lock to reach 100 tests, that says something.
He's a player who probably doesn't get all the credit he deserves, with Brodie Retallick around. He's one half of probably our greatest modern locking combination.
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Whitelock has been a mainstay since 2010, and since taking Ali Williams' starting berth for the 2011 World Cup he hasn't let go.
The 29-year-old is a double World Cup-winning, double Super Rugby-winning leader.
His teammates describe him as intense and driven, a thorough professional who loves detail in his preparation. He's the kind of player teammates can trust because he leaves no stone unturned.
He's also a competitor and ruthless on the field.
All Blacks team mate TJ Perenara recounts hating playing him at Super Rugby level. He thrives on driving halfbacks into the ground, devoid of emotion. There are no histrionics. Whitelock just does his job.
But I've seen his hard-nosed attitude melts into softer side and it's what I like most about Whitelock.
When the All Blacks do hospital visits, he's an MVP. It's easy to see the players who are truly into it and the ones that aren't. It's obvious in Whitelock's smile and eyes that he loves giving back to the kids.
He'll sit down with them and engage with the kind of dedication he shows on the field. He asks questions, listens intently and you see how much it means to the children he's with.
He makes it a meaningful interaction, connecting with the parents too and leaving behind the memories those events are supposed to bring.
It seems Sam Whitelock commits to whatever he does!
Ross Karl is Newshub rugby editor.
Join us at 9:40pm Saturday for live updates of the Wallabies vs All Blacks first Bledisloe Cup test.
