All Blacks Star Calls Out Rassie Erasmus for ‘Disrespectful’ Selection omission.

Legendary All Blacks second-rower Sam Whitelock feels the Barbarians still have a crucial role to play in the game as they prepare for their clash with the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday.

Whitelock, is one of Barbarians head coach Robbie Deans’ assistants, and is widely recognised as one of professional rugby’s most decorated players.

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner is New Zealand‘s Test appearance record holder with 153 caps to his name and also won multiple Super Rugby titles during his stint with the Crusaders.

After retiring from the game as a player, after the Barbarians’ clash against Fiji at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham last June, the 36-year-old is now fully focused on his coaching career.

Whitelock stressed the importance of the famous invitational team in the global game and believes a tough challenge lies in wait for them against the world champions.

‘It is one of the coolest things in sport’

“The Barbarians is a very special club,” he said. “You have to be invited to play and to be a part of it. It brings together different nationalities and from different competitions and everyone comes together for the love of the game – it is one of the coolest things in sport,” he said.

“It has an important place in the rugby world, it needs to be a priority in the game. It’s important for the players as well as the fans The environment is great, you get to spend time with people on and off the field and properly connect. We bring together all these players and that time together, getting to know them on a personal level is what helps everyone gel.

I still travel with my mouthguard in the kit bag but know it needs to stay there!” he added.

I’m really enjoying helping the next generation. I had some great support when I was a player and I want to try and pass that support and knowledge on. I would be upset with myself if I didn’t.

“It doesn’t mean my opinion is always right, players can have their own view, for me its just passing on that advice which is important.”