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View from the Second Row
The most capped All Black in history speaks for the record about his storied career, spanning three rugby world cup grand finals, nine super rugby finals, and 153 appearances in the black jersey.
After making his debut for New Zealand in 2010, Sam Whitelock was selected for the 2011 rugby world cup campaign, playing in all seven matches and emerging victorious in New Zealand's first world cup win since 1986. Four years later he played in all seven matches of the 2015 world cup defence, becoming one of just a handful of players to win back-to-back world cups. Whitelock became instrumental to the most successful period of All Blacks rugby in the modern era, and in his retirement year, he topped his career off with a performance for the ages, and a record seven consecutive championships for the Crusaders.
Samuel Whitelock's record stands alone. In this autobiography he speaks in his own words about leadership, coaching, physical and mental toughness, friends and foes on the footy field, tradition and darkening the jersey, and how family and farming provided the bedrock for his global success.
After making his debut for New Zealand in 2010, Sam Whitelock was selected for the 2011 rugby world cup campaign, playing in all seven matches and emerging victorious in New Zealand's first world cup win since 1986. Four years later he played in all seven matches of the 2015 world cup defence, becoming one of just a handful of players to win back-to-back world cups. Whitelock became instrumental to the most successful period of All Blacks rugby in the modern era, and in his retirement year, he topped his career off with a performance for the ages, and a record seven consecutive championships for the Crusaders.
Samuel Whitelock's record stands alone. In this autobiography he speaks in his own words about leadership, coaching, physical and mental toughness, friends and foes on the footy field, tradition and darkening the jersey, and how family and farming provided the bedrock for his global success.
- GenresBiographyAutobiography
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
40 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 14, 2024
Although it brought back a few traumatic memories reliving some of Sam Whitelocks games this was another enjoyable All Black biography. One of the greats to wear the jersey but as so many before him came from humble beginnings. A solid read.
May 19, 2025
Good to learn more about Adam’s brother
March 9, 2025
Sam lived just down the road from me. I’d often see him on his bike probably returning from a coffee with Razor (who also lives down the road). I remember seeing Sam ride past me with his helmet undone for no other reason than it was too small for him.
A few months later, my wife told me about how she was walking her friend’s dog who ran up to this “huge guy in Crusaders shorts” who also had his dog. They chatted and she thought nothing of it until she explained him to me. “That sounds like you’ve just had a chat with the most capped All Black of all time”, I said. She said he was super down to earth and had a good chat about dogs. Sums this bloke up perfectly.
As an expat rugby nut, it always surprises me to see these superstars in public, so casual. But that’s what they are, they are us but high performing. Sam’s book really touches on this. The unique leadership high performance sports requires. The hard truth about losing and how Sam still holds onto these losses above his victories (which is what the ABs are known for). His advice on approaching his team mates. These are all lessons I will use as a leader in my business.
If you’re reading this Sam, thanks for the advice, years of great entertainment, and being kind to my wife. Now, time for a cold one!
A few months later, my wife told me about how she was walking her friend’s dog who ran up to this “huge guy in Crusaders shorts” who also had his dog. They chatted and she thought nothing of it until she explained him to me. “That sounds like you’ve just had a chat with the most capped All Black of all time”, I said. She said he was super down to earth and had a good chat about dogs. Sums this bloke up perfectly.
As an expat rugby nut, it always surprises me to see these superstars in public, so casual. But that’s what they are, they are us but high performing. Sam’s book really touches on this. The unique leadership high performance sports requires. The hard truth about losing and how Sam still holds onto these losses above his victories (which is what the ABs are known for). His advice on approaching his team mates. These are all lessons I will use as a leader in my business.
If you’re reading this Sam, thanks for the advice, years of great entertainment, and being kind to my wife. Now, time for a cold one!
September 20, 2024
Great read, loved the insight into a great of New Zealand rugby, not someone who was well covered and well known personally throughout his career by fans as opposed to others in the same category group as him, I loved the book.
In depth insight into how he reads the game, how he prepares and how he felt in moments in his career which we wouldn’t have known otherwise due to his under the radar presence in the media and public.
A great servant of the game not only in Aotearoa but the game globally, it felt not that long ago that we wondered how an all blacks team could be named and not have names like McCaw, Carter and Nonu in them. Add Samuel Whitelock to that list now. What a legend.
In depth insight into how he reads the game, how he prepares and how he felt in moments in his career which we wouldn’t have known otherwise due to his under the radar presence in the media and public.
A great servant of the game not only in Aotearoa but the game globally, it felt not that long ago that we wondered how an all blacks team could be named and not have names like McCaw, Carter and Nonu in them. Add Samuel Whitelock to that list now. What a legend.
September 15, 2024
This was such an interesting read. Despite following his career throughout the years, I only really knew the basics about Whitelock's journey. There was a lot a great antidotes and stories within these pages covering major All Blacks, Crusaders, Canterbury moments as well as many societal historical moments as well.
This is a memoir about a little boy from the farm and how he grew up to be the most capped All Black ever and so so much more. Well worth the read if you are a rugby fan, Canterbury/Crusader fan or an All Blacks fan.
This is a memoir about a little boy from the farm and how he grew up to be the most capped All Black ever and so so much more. Well worth the read if you are a rugby fan, Canterbury/Crusader fan or an All Blacks fan.
June 29, 2025
Great insight into what it’s like to be a professional athlete. I have a bit of bias as he is one of my favourite athletes whose journey I’ve been following but generally speaking, it felt relatable and I could understand some particular moment mentioned in the text. If you’re wanting to learn about what it’s like to start from the bottom and make it to the very top or just to learn a bit more about what Sam Whitelock is like as a person, then this is the book for you!
October 30, 2024
High threes. Easy to read and enjoyable look back over his long career. Some insight into key moments in recent All Blacks history through the Whitelock lens. Written in a no-nonsense way, which seems to sum up the man himself.
January 25, 2025
Good insight for a English rugby suporter into the All Blacks
February 13, 2025
Not something I normally read, but I was totally hooked! I only put the book down when I had to, and once to look up Sam's try on YouTube.
October 9, 2025
Brilliant. Would be a favourite sports auto. Sam has done a terrific job with this one. Great insight into the Whitelock family also which was gold.
July 29, 2025
about as good a sports autobiography I've ever read. Sam's out look on rugby, life and leadership has a lot we can all learn from
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews