Sir Wilson Whineray played 77 matches for New Zealand, including 32 tests, and is regarded as one of the most successful and inspirational captains the All Blacks have had.

He captained New Zealand in 30 of his 32 tests, a record until Sean Fitzpatrick’s 1992-97 tenure. The All Blacks lost only five times under his leadership.

A prop, a specialty was his running onto the ball from lineouts – a move that still bears his name, the “Willie-away”.

He first played for the All Blacks in 1957, when he played two tests against Australia, and after captaining a New Zealand under 23 team that toured Japan in 1958, he was made captain of the national team, the youngest All Black captain since 1929.

Whineray stood down from international play in 1964, but returned the following year and was reappointed captain for a winning series against South Africa.

Whineray in later life became a successful businessman and was the second chairman of the Hillary Commission.

He was knighted in 1998.