WELLINGTON — Wilson Whineray, acclaimed by many as the All Blacks' greatest ever captain, died in Auckland Monday after a battle with cancer, the New Zealand Rugby Union said. He was 77. Whineray played 77 matches for the All Blacks, including 67 as captain. Of the 32 tests he played for New Zealand, he led them in 30. His international career stretched from 1957, when he made his debut against Australia, until 1965 when he retired after a series victory over Australia. Whineray's career encompassed those of great players such as Colin Meads, Brian Lochore and Kel Tremain, and the teams he led in the early to mid-1960s are still regarded as the best All Blacks lineup of all time. Terry McLean, New Zealand's most distinguished rugby writer, said: “I would unhesitatingly acclaim him as New Zealand's greatest captain.” Prime Minister John Key echoed those sentiments in one of many tributes to Whineray Monday. “Sir Wilson was a great All Black and may have been the greatest captain we ever had,” Key said. “This is a loss all of New Zealand will feel.” Whineray, who played at prop throughout his career and was the anchor of many All Blacks scrums, also had a lengthy first class career, representing the Waikato, Auckland and Canterbury provinces. He retired in 1966 and went on to a stellar business career, chairing the boards of some of New Zealand's largest companies. He was knighted in 1994 for his services to sport and commerce. — AP
