‘Greatest’ All Black captain dies aged 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.

Whineray, who played at prop throughout his career, enjoyed a stellar business career after his retirement from playing rugby, chairing the boards of some of New Zealand’s largest companies.

He was knighted in 1994 for his services to sport and commerce.

Prime Minister John Key said: “Sir Wilson was a great All Black and may have been the greatest captain we ever had. This is a loss all of New Zealand will feel.”