Veteran lock Sam Whitelock is reportedly considering an All Blacks comeback, after an SOS from new coach and longtime mentor Scott Robertson.
New Zealand's most-capped rugby player supposedly retired after last year's World Cup to take up a contract with French club Pau, joining several other long-term internationals to bow out, as Robertson takes the reins.
The departure of both Whitelock and second-row partner Brodie Retallick leaves a massive void in the All Blacks pack, nothwithstanding the presence of current Crusaders skipper Scott Barrett, and NZME reports he has been summoned back to help ease the transition.
Whitelock, 35, passed former teammate Richie McCaw for the most All Blacks tests against Italy in World Cup poolplay and then became the second forward - after Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones - to reach 150 caps.
While his career seemed to be winding down, he popped up to create the key goal-line turnover in a quarter-final victory over Ireland.
Without Whitelock or Retallick, Robertson's locking stocks consist of Barrett, Blues veteran Patrick Tuipulotu, and up-and-comers Tupou Vaa'i and Josh Lord, along with a collection of aspiring internationals cutting their teeth in Super Rugby Pacific.
Robertson has not tipped his hand over the All Blacks captaincy, although he reportedly consulted with incumbent Sam Cane, before he departed for a season in the Japan League One with Tokyo Sungoliath.
Whitelock has served in that capacity before and must be a candidate again, if he agrees to return.
Robertson's first assignment with the national team is a three-test home series against England in July.
