View from the Second Row

The most capped All Black in history speaks for the record about his storied career, spanning four World Cups, nine Super Rugby finals and 153 appearances in the black jersey.

THE NO. 1 NEW ZEALAND BESTSELLER

'A modern-day Colin Meads' - Steve Hansen

'The ultimate winner' - Scott Robertson

'A legend of the game' - Richie McCaw

After making his debut for New Zealand in 2010 at the age of 21, Samuel Whitelock was selected for the 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign. He played in all seven matches and emerged victorious with the nation's first trophy since 1987. Four years later he played in all seven matches of the 2015 tournament, becoming one of an elite group of players to win back-to-back World Cups.

Whitelock was instrumental in the most successful period of All Blacks rugby in the modern era, and in his retirement year he topped off his domestic career with a performance for the ages, and a record run of championships for the Crusaders.

In this autobiography, Whitelock speaks in his own words about physical and mental toughness, leadership and coaching, friends and foes on the footy field, tradition, darkening the jersey and how family and farming provided the bedrock for global success.

View from the Second Row is an inspiring story and a journey like no other, and the epitome of what makes New Zealand rugby special.

Samuel Whitelock was born and raised on a farm in Manawatu, in New Zealand's North Island. Known for his humility, work ethic and performance under pressure, Whitelock credits his success to his close-knit family and rural upbringing.Plying his trade in the second row as an agile, skilful modern-day lock, Whitelock stands alone in the record books.He was the first All Black to reach 150 caps, and finished on 153 - the second highest number of international appearances of any player. He was captain on 18 occasions. Whitelock has played more Rugby World Cup matches than any other player - 26 - and has appeared in three finals.He has won 11 Tri-Nations or Rugby Championships, along with a Grand Slam. He has never been on the losing side in a Bledisloe Cup series.Whitelock has appeared in 181 Super Rugby games, the fourth highest of any player, and has seven Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders - the most successful team in the competition's history.

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