When it comes to All Black legacies, Sam Whitelock has left one like few others. 

A two-time World Cup winner, World Rugby Player of the Year, All Blacks Captain, as well as the record holder for the most ever caps by an All Black: 153. 

This year he called it quits on his two year contract early, playing his final match for the French Club Pau against Fiji in June. 

Whitelock managed to find time during his final season to write his autobiography: “View from the Second Row”. 

Whitelock told Mike Hosking that he wasn't too keen on writing the book initially, but Wayne Smith won him over. 

“He said to me, “What are you gonna give to your grandkids when, you know, your story fades a little bit, but you can give them this hardcopy and say, hey, this is what Grandad did.”” 

Rugby runs in his family, and the book reflects that. 

“It’s not only my story, it’s the family story.” 

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