Whitelock, 133 selections at 33, is one of the basic men of coach Ian Foster's device.
His absence is a blow to his team, acknowledged All Blacks captain Sam Cane.
"Sammy was impressive last weekend": "His leadership and what he brings to the field will be missed", he regretted.
The New Zealand second line is decimated since another international in this position, Tupou Vaa'i, tested positive for Covid-19, will also miss this second test.
It was therefore appealed to compensate for these absences to Patrick Tuipulotu, just returned from a season in Japan.
And against the XV of Clover on Saturday, Scott Barrett could go up from the third to the second row, where he is used to playing.
In the Clover XV camp, the Irish captain, fly-half Johnny Sexton, will be operational, according to his assistant coach Mike Catt.
Ireland's playmaker was substituted in the 32nd minute in the first test after a blow to the head.
He had not returned to the field, maintaining doubts about his ability to be restored for this second test.
"Johnny is fine, he passed all the exams he had to take, from our point of view Johnny can play," Catt said.
New Zealand comfortably beat Ireland 42-19 in the 1st Test.
The two teams are yet to play each other twice, on July 9 and July 16.
The XV of Clover has never won in New Zealand.
© 2022 AFP