Sam Whitelock has soaked up the fervent, deafening atmosphere of a Welsh rugby test in the Cardiff cauldron in four of his 128 tests.
Still, the All Blacks lock finds it hard to describe the intensity of that experience: a passionate Welsh crowd belting out the country’s anthem (Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau) before kick-off at a packed out Principality Stadium.
The 33-year-old, who captains the All Blacks against Wales on Sunday morning (NZ time), might have a few newer team-mates asking for advice on how to absorb that wall of noise blasted out by more than 70,000 fans.
“We’ve tried to explain it, but sometimes you have to experience it before you really understand what it’s like,” Whitelock said via Zoom on Saturday (NZ time).
“It’s an awesome atmosphere. As a player, it’s one of the most special stadiums to play at, especially during the anthems, and the Welsh can all sing. It’s cool hearing 70,000 sing at the top of their lungs.
“I’m sure there’ll be a few beers drunk in that stadium while singing as loud as they can.”
The Cardiff roar could be off the scale as the reigning Six Nations champions welcome the All Blacks to their first sold-out test at home since the Covid-19 pandemic stopped fans from attending major events.
For Wales, there are few occasions as big as a test with the All Blacks, albeit with a nagging winless streak that stretches back to 1953, spanning 31 tests.
Whitelock’s first test as captain was when the two rugby-loving nations last met in the Welsh capital in 2017.
Their last meeting was the bronze medal play-off at the 2019 Rugby World Cup when the All Blacks breezed to a 40-17 victory in Tokyo.
“It’s cool because there is that strong connection between Wales and New Zealand,” Whitelock said.
“We’re similar in population size and both are so passionate about rugby. I think that’s why the Welsh and All Blacks’ history is so rich. That’s the reason I love coming here and playing.”
Alongside his formidable locking partner in black, the 89-test Brodie Retallick, Whitelock and “Guzzler” go toe to toe with a familiar foe in the Welsh second row, opposing captain Alun Wyn Jones, who plays in his 149th test.
That mark will take Jones beyond All Blacks legend Richie McCaw as the holder of the most test caps for one country.
The 36-year-old lock, who has also played an additional 12 tests for the British and Irish Lions, will not get many more opportunities to beat the men in black with Wales, although Jones was in the Lions team that defeated the All Blacks 24-21 in Wellington in 2017.
Whitelock has nothing but respect for his Welsh counterpart, as one of the game’s great competitors.
“He’s an awesome man. He’s a real competitor, and it’s great to play against him. He normally brings a bit of chat during the game, but it’s good to share a cold beer with him afterwards, too,” Whitelock said.
“He goes out to do his best but enjoys it. He enjoys having banter with the referee and the other captain as well.
“It’s half-hearted, a bit of fun, and can take the edge off, allowing some players to play better, and allows him to get into the ref’s good books.”
The Cardiff test has been derided for being scheduled outside the test window, leaving Wales short of some of their top players, with as many as 20 unavailable.
Whitelock echoed the views of his coach, Ian Foster, who said the test would be no mismatch.
“I don’t think it makes a difference at all. If you give a Welshman that jersey, he is going to play well,” Whitelock said.
Wales: Johnny McNicholl, Owen Lane, Jonathan Davies, Johnny Williams, Josh Adams, Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Aaron Wainwright, Taine Basham, Ross Moriarty, Alun Wyn Jones (c), Adam Beard, Tomas Francis, Ryan Elias, Wyn Jones. Reserves: Kirby Myhill, Rhys Care, Dillon Lewis, Will Rowlands, Seb Davies, Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland, Ben Thomas.
All Blacks: Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock (c), Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Akira Ioane, Brad Weber, Richie Mo’unga, Sevu Reece.
