Chris Whitaker is patience personified, the 31 test cap Wallaby scrumhalf, was part of the golden era of Australian rugby. Whitaker was at the right place at the wrong time and spent the majority of his Wallaby career on the bench behind the Wallaby captain George Gregan. Out of Whitaker's 31 caps for the Wallabies, he only made 5 starts.
Although Whitaker spent a lot of his time on the bench for the Wallabies he was not starved of talent with pundits often tipping the New South Wales halfback as one of the best 9s in the world and often suggested that he started instead of Gregan.
When called upon Whitaker was a devasting threat to the opposition's defence and he had a solid pass, good boot and the ability to read the game in front of him.
It was in 1997 when Whitaker made his appearance on the international scene when he represented the Australian Barbarians against France.
In 1998 he debuted off the bench against South Africa. Later that year he made his first run-on start for the Wallabies against Tonga in September.
Whitaker was selected in the Wallabies 1999 Rugby World Cup squad and started the match against the USA and in the final, he replaced Gregan in the 79 minute.
In 2003 World Cup he would act as a replacement against Ireland, Wales and South Africa. He captained Australia in the World Cup match against Namibia. There are many others in the team who might have been recognised that day, but he was selected because he was the ultimate team man. He had accepted his role without anguish or resentment and had shown that he could and would do everything for Australia. The match ended with Australia winning 142 to 0, being the highest- ever score by an Australian team in its long history.
Whitaker ended his international career having played 34 matches for his country (31 Tests) and made 80 Super Rugby appearances. He decided to finish his career overseas joining Irish side Leinster in 2006. Following his full retirement in 2009 Whittaker took up a coaching role with Leinster.
JW April 2017
Career
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NSW Waratahs Assistant Coach |
2023 - present |
 |
Australia Scrum Half |
1998 - 2005 |
