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Whitelock could make one last appearance for the Crusaders this weekend before leaving for France

Whitelock could make one last appearance for the Crusaders this weekend before leaving for France

By Mosese Raqio
20/06/2023
Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock takes a lineout ball against the Chiefs in Hamilton in April. [Image: gettyimages]

All Blacks and Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock could lace up for his franchise one last time this season before departing for France when the Crusaders take on the Chiefs in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific grand final this weekend.

The veteran lock was sidelined for the past fortnight with an Achilles injury but was seen training with the Crusaders this week.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster earlier made a comment about the lock and ruling him out of the decider but Crusaders assistant coach Dan Perrin says he didn’t hear that comment at all.

Perrin says the decision is up to Whitelock, indicating he could well feature on Saturday night.

He says Whitelock is doing everything he can to make himself available.

The Crusaders will want to redeem themselves in this final after losing to the Chiefs twice during the round-robin competition this year.

The final of the Super Rugby Pacific will be at 7.05pm Saturday in Waikato.


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