Whitelock’s grandfather George Nelson Dalzell was a member of the last New Zealand side to lose to Wales in 1953, playing in a 13-8 reversal at Cardiff Arms Park in 1953.
Since that game 64 years ago, the All Blacks have won 29 Test matches in a row against Wales and Whitelock is hoping to extend that mark to 30 this weekend.
“It’s funny you bring up that game,” said Whitelock, who captains New Zealand against Wales in the absence of injured No 8 Kieran Read.
“My grandfather played for the All Blacks that day when they lost. It is one of those things.
“It’s something that Luke (Whitelock) and I are probably aware of more than anyone else so it would be nice not to be like him. History is history, you can’t change it once it has happened.”
Whitelock and his brother Luke both start against Wales for what is the final game of a long season for New Zealand.
“It is going to be a massive Test, as it always is. The boys are ready, we have done as much homework as we can and know it is all about being fresh for the game,” said lock Sam Whitelock.
“We always want to play well every week and this is no different. We are excited to get out there now and let our actions do the talking.”
The Crusaders second row has opened up about the honour of captaining his country for the first time.
“It’s massive in my playing career, but the beauty is there are so many guys in the team who have done it before,” said the 29-year-old Sam Whitelock.
“It is never up to one person to lead, so all I have got to worry about is going out there and playing well and doing my job and role. It was always a dream to play for the All Blacks.
“I’ve never been too fussed around being captain, but it is probably something I have been more aware of the longer I’ve played.”
