Rookie Sam Whitelock giving orders

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With all the shouting, shuffling and cupping of ears that accompany Super 14 lineouts, the set pieces can be as theatrical as a trading floor in a sharemarket crash.

Such dramas will be a reality for Sam Whitelock tonight when the 2.02-metre rookie lock yells out his orders in the match against the Blues at AMI Stadium.

With All Blacks second rower Isaac Ross on the bench after missing last weekend's match because of a sprained ankle, the in-form Whitelock was rewarded with his fourth consecutive start for the Crusaders, and despite his inexperience, has been entrusted with the calls by coach Todd Blackadder.

Blues locks Anthony Boric and Kurtis Haiu are capable leapers and may contest the Crusaders' throws.

But having had a taste of calling the set pieces last week against the Sharks, the 21-year-old is confident he will not get stage fright before the aerial contests.

"It's one of my strengths, maybe, and also where I am situated in the lineouts I probably see a little bit more than the jumping locks at the front," Whitelock said. "You can call the space or you can call the speed. There are a million different ways you can do it, but either way it works just as well so it is good."

Whitelock will not lack for experienced heads, with Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn and older brother George in the pack. During trainings Whitelock could not hope for a better bunch of leapers to ping ideas off with Thorn, Ross and Chris Jack all carrying All Blacks experience.

"I have been calling them every now and again and it has been really good," Whitelock said. "Everyone is helping me along and it's good they are all looking after the young boy."

With Jack's wrist injury ruling him out of the opening four rounds, Thorn being listed on the bench for the first two matches and Ross suffering his ankle injury, Whitelock has proved a resilient competitor in his first Super 14 season.

"Those three guys have just been so helpful."

Whitelock is also working his way towards a bachelor of science degree, majoring in plant science at Lincoln University, and when training finishes he does not head to the golf course or bunk down on his couch.

"I go out to university after most trainings, running around trying to get my work done. It is keeping me really busy."

- © Fairfax NZ News