Rugby: Canterbury look to make shield occasion special

George Whitelock has retained his place despite the return of All Black Richie McCaw. Photo / Getty Images

Rookie Canterbury rugby captain George Whitelock won't need to look far for help if trouble brews during the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Wellington tomorrow.

The 23-year-old has retained both his place on the openside flank and the leadership duties despite coach Rob Penney choosing to bring on board a number of available All Blacks into the Air NZ Cup fold.

Among the returning internationals is All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, who will start the first shield challenge of his long career at No 8 in Wellington.

Whitelock, a fringe All Blacks consideration himself after briefly joining the national squad this year, is honoured simply to retain both his jersey and the captaincy for such an important match despite the presence of a player universally acknowledged as the world's premier No 7.

He knows McCaw will bring plenty to the table as Canterbury strive to maintain a proud shield history, one which sees them rated as the second most successful challengers after Auckland.

"I haven't had heaps of chances to play with Richie so I am going to cherish that," Whitelock told NZPA.

Penney said he did not have to think too hard before opting to keep Whitelock on the openside for Canterbury's biggest game of the winter.

"It wasn't a big call. Richie is the best seven in the world but we don't think George is far away.

"George is outstanding and he's developing as a seven all the time."

He said an ankle injury to regular No 8 Mike Coman created an opening which he knew McCaw could fill.

"By naming Richie at No 8 it allowed us to have as little impact as possible in terms of disrupting our loose forward trio. It made sense to put Richie there, he can do it easy, and he's done it before."

Whitelock said heightened public and media interest this week had left his players in no doubt about the game's significance as Canterbury endeavour to successfully challenge for the shield for the 13th time.

It had rubbed off on the Canterbury players in a positive sense as well.

"There has been a helluva lot more enthusiasm and excitement around the group this week, and we all know we are pretty lucky to have a crack at it."

The return of All Blacks McCaw, lock Brad Thorn and first five-eighth Dan Carter considerably strengthen a team who have won three of four Cup matches this term.

"It's great having senior players like that around, they help lighten the load. They have added a lot to the group this week and the boys have appreciated their coming back."

Whitelock said there was no ill feeling held by those who had to make way for the returning internationals and their reappearance had caused limited disruption.

"The boys have been most welcoming of the All Blacks coming back. They definitely add experience and help out the younger guys.

"The younger guys are keen to learn off the best, they are still part of the group."

Wellington survived their last defence with a tense 16-15 success over Auckland last weekend.

Coach Jamie Joseph has softened his stance on available All Blacks to welcome back fullback Cory Jane, midfield back Ma'a Nonu and No 8 Rodney So'oialo although injuries have deprived him of prop Neemia Tialata, utility Tamati Ellison and centre Conrad Smith.

The Wellington backs have yet to collectively hit their straps this term but a line-up containing Jane, Nonu, Fa'atonu Fili, teenager Charlie Ngatai, and wings David Smith and wing Hosea Gear, is a potent mix.

Given enough quality ball, they are more than capable of causing mayhem, something Penney acknowledged.

"They have a massive amount of firepower. You just look at their outside backs and go, wow."

Wellington will hope that wow factor works in their favour tomorrow, because anything less than their best is sure to be capitalised on by the challengers.

- NZPA