18 June 2010 Second All Blacks test selection for student Sam Whitelock

Lincoln University student Sam Whitelock has been selected for the All Blacks test team to play Wales at Carisbrook, Dunedin, on Saturday night.

Selection follows Sam’s All Blacks debut a week ago against Ireland in New Plymouth, when he came off the bench in the second half and scored two tries.

It was a performance in which he emulated, then exceeded, brother George’s performance when he made his debut for the All Blacks against Italy in Christchurch last year, and scored a try after coming into the match off the bench.

Both brothers, the sons of former Junior All Black Braeden Whitelock of Manawatu and the grandsons of 1950s All Black Nelson Dalzell are Lincoln University students. George is studying for a Diploma in Agriculture and Sam is doing a Bachelor of Science degree. Sam was named Lincoln University Sports Person of the Year in 2008 and George received the same accolade last year, when he was Captain of the Canterbury provincial team. Both hold Lincoln University Sports Scholarships.

Sam represented New Zealand in the World Under-20 Rugby Championship in Wales in 2008  and also in the International Rugby Board Under-19 Tournament in Northern Ireland in 2007. He is a past pupil of Feilding High School where he was Hostel Head Prefect and Captain of the 1st XV.

Sam is the latest in a list of over 30 All Blacks, including four Captains, who have been students at Lincoln University at some stage in their rugby careers.