Key dwarfed by two-metre Whitelock

Sam Whitelock towers over John Key (Phil Walter / Getty)
Sam Whitelock towers over John Key (Phil Walter / Getty)

Many would agree Sam Whitelock was a towering presence in this morning's Rugby World Cup semi-final win over the Springboks.

But the All Black lock's giant features were somehow even more prominent after the game, when he was snapped shaking the hand of Prime Minister John Key in the changing sheds.

Mr Key had joined the All Blacks in the dressing room for a beer and a chat, where he was pictured looking at ease in the company of Kieran Read, Joe Moody and Richie McCaw.

But the relaxed grin on his face changed quickly to a look of pure fear when he was greeted by the hulking figure of Whitelock.

While the photograph adds to a growing collection of embarrassing images of Mr Key, he will at least be pleased to have nailed the handshake on this occasion, four years after his cringe-worthy three-way handshake fail at the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.

3 News