Brodie Retallick returns for All Blacks clash against Namibia as new flyhalf revealed
The All Blacks have welcomed the return of star lock Brodie Retallick from injury for their World Cup clash against Namibia on Sunday.
The 28-year-old had been ruled out of action since sustaining a dislocated shoulder during the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship clash against South Africa in July.
He will, however, play for the first time in over two months after being named to start in the second row alongside stand-in skipper Sam Whitelock, who will take the captaincy duties from the rested Kieran Read for the sixth time in Tokyo.
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Both players’ additions into the starting side are two of 13 changes made by All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen from the side that ran out 63-0 victors over Canada in Oita just two days ago.
Perhaps the most eye-catching alteration to the starting side is at flyhalf, where utility back Jordie Barrett comes into the No. 10 jersey for the first time in his professional career in place of Wednesday’s man-of-the-match Richie Mo’unga.
In doing so, the All Blacks will play without a dual playmaking axis for the first time since the ‘Ba’ounga’ partnership was introduced in that South Africa test in which Retallick injured himself in, as Beauden Barrett is replaced at fullback by veteran Ben Smith.
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He will be joined by first-choice wings George Bridge and Sevu Reece to form a strong outside back contingent, while Aaron Smith reclaims his place in the No. 9 jersey.
Jack Goodhue is the only player in the backline to retain his spot from the Canada clash, and will partner up in the midfield with Anton Lienert-Brown, who takes the place of Sonny Bill Williams.
In the forward pack, there is also just one survivor in the form of Shannon Frizell at blindside flanker, who impressed in his World Cup debut at Oita Stadium.
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The Tongan-born star is one third of a formidable back row trio, which consists of Sam Cane at openside flanker and Ardie Savea at No. 8.
There is a new-look front row as well, with Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Nepo Laulala swapping in for Atu Moli, Liam Coltman and Angus Ta’avao, respectively.
The relegation of Beauden Barrett and Mo’unga out of the match day squad means Hansen has named an unorthodox reserves bench, which includes both Brad Weber and TJ Perenara, with the latter providing cover at flyhalf for Jordie Barrett.
Like Barrett, Perenara has never played in the position throughout his first-class career, so how he performs in the pivot role will be of much intrigue upon his introduction into the game.
Elsewhere, Rieko Ioane has been listed at No. 23, presenting him with another opportunity to usurp Bridge for the starting left wing role come the knockout rounds.
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Dane Coles, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu and Matt Todd combine to create a strong quintet of forward substitutes.
“In naming this team, we had to consider the short turnaround between the Canadian and Namibian games,” Hansen said.
“We’ve managed to ensure that we’ve got plenty of fresh players starting this match. We’re very happy with where we are at after our first two games.
“However, the expectations going into the match on Sunday don’t change. We need to keep improving.
“In all games it’s important to nail the mental self-preparation, as it’s not about who you’re playing, it’s about your own personal standards.
“Our preparation on-field this week is all about getting the balance right over the next two days. It’s a case of not too much and not too little, from a physical point of view.”
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The 60-year-old coach alluded that instating Whitelock as captain for this test in the absence of Read was a logical option given the leadership qualities he provides for the side.
“Sam brings a wealth of leadership experience and is the logical choice to lead the team,” Hansen said.
“It will be the first time he’s done it in a Rugby World Cup, it’s a great honour for him and something he’ll be proud of.”
The return of Whitelock’s long-time locking partner Retallick is one that also brings with it much excitement, as does the inclusion of Barrett at No. 10.
“It’s great to have Brodie back. There’s been some great work done by not only Brodie himself but also by the medical team. Obviously, Brodie is very excited to be in a position to pull the jersey back on,” Hansen said.
“Jordie can play multiple positions in the backline and we’re confident that he’ll handle the responsibility well. He has all the skillsets required and we’re looking forward to seeing him play there.”
The All Blacks team to play Namibia:
1. Joe Moody (42)
2. Codie Taylor (47)
3. Nepo Laulala (22)
4. Brodie Retallick (77)
5. Samuel Whitelock – captain (114)
6. Shannon Frizell (7)
7. Sam Cane (64)
8. Ardie Savea (41)
9. Aaron Smith (88)
10. Jordie Barrett (13)
11. George Bridge (6)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (39)
13. Jack Goodhue (10)
14. Sevu Reece (4)
15. Ben Smith (82)
Reserves:
16. Dane Coles (65)
17. Ofa Tuungafasi (32)
18. Angus Ta’avao (10)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (27)
20. Matt Todd (22)
21. Brad Weber (3)
22. TJ Perenara (61)
23. Rieko Ioane (27)
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Comments on RugbyPass
well remember the blues had a guy called jed rowlands for a season. remember scott took his coaching team with him give him time
13 Go to commentswell maybe he needs to be introduced to darcy swain then who never got anything much and put a cheifs ands allblack player out injured and made him miss a season recovering
12 Go to commentswell maybe the match offficals should sort it out if they are worried about it and stop the clock
3 Go to commentsI totally agree. I also believe that minor injuries unless dangerous must be treared OFF the field of play and the game continue with a temp replacement if necessary.
3 Go to commentsSend the bill to McLennan.
3 Go to comments2 out of 3 were perfect. TMOs love jumping in on anything outside the law. The fact they saw nothing wrong speaks volumes. You want to see what a late blindside hit looks like, watch Kepu take out Carter in the 2015 World Cup final. Completely different to the Tah’s tackle.
12 Go to commentsverkeerde kant van die gereg lol
5 Go to commentsJust like John Plumtree at the Sharks he has had a poor start to this season’s coaching gig, but now it looks like he is starting to pull them back also having won 1 game in the first Eleven games they played. It obviously helps that 11 of his fifteen are Springbok players. But now they are starting to improve. No ways they can make it to the playoffs this year but they probably used this season as a way to figure out their game plan. One query I have and I think quite a few people have is: Are they playing better simply because of their international players are back or is it the team strategy led by Rob Penney that is starting to tick? Well I guess we wait and see. Also if it doesn't work out this season, it might be that Rob Penney is using this season as a way to organize himself for next season. Getting all his combinations sorted, his team strategies sorted and figuring out who is best is which position. Now I don't follow Super Rugby any more having now a full focus in the URC but I was surprised about the current Crusaders stats.
13 Go to commentsIf I’m a little bloke, who’s just had possession of the ball, I should expect to get cleaned up by Samipeni Finau if he’s opposite me and I do nothing to avoid him. FTFY You’ll need to rewrite the rest of your article now Hamish Bidwell. I’m not sorry for having missed reading this one. I find it hilarious it’s only the static aussie 10s, just waiting there, that are getting smashed. Move on your feet guys, haven’t you watched DMac and Mounga play for the last decade ffs. Chin up, at least your smiles should return when BB returns to SR next year and there’s more 10s to the fodder.
12 Go to commentsFinau is not leaving a lot of room for error that’s true, but he committed to 3 out of four tackles when the player had the ball so that’s all legal. (And incredibly entertaining)
12 Go to commentsHow does the size of the ‘bloke being hit’ factor into this? If you’re on the opposing team you are fair game. Is Finau the first person in history to target the first five? It seems like this is a great strategy to interrupt your opponents attack. As far as I’m aware, of the four excellent hits on Aussie first fives this year only one of them was ruled late. So if crying about legal tackles isn’t whingeing, then what is it?
12 Go to commentsThings I want to pay attention to this series. 1) Nothing against the other teams in 6 nations, but apart from Irelands loss to england, I dont feel they got tested, So I think this might be tight. 2) Rassie wants to build depth, and would rather do it before a world cup, but I am sure deep inside, he will be reminded that we have not beaten Ireland in years. 3) Will our new coaches plans be sound abd organised in time for the Ireland series? Remember our warm ups might only see our second or third string players available (When are we going to have one universal calander year?) 4) I see Ireland have moved on from Sexton, but what will Farrels plans be for SA? I am sure he will go for a full strength squad. 5) I think the test for the springboks will be the Durban game, it will be in winter, so not too hot for the Irish,no altitude, and it rains allot, might remind them of home. Loftus, if the springboks play the right game, I feel altitude like with most games before, can cause some challanges. 6) Off topic, but who is both Anxious and excited about what the Abs are coming with? A whole new coaching team and different style of play.
119 Go to commentsMost underrated player in world rugby.
2 Go to commentsHow many fans will travel to Qatar to watch these games ? because if they dont, it will be played in front of a few disinterested unknowledgeable Qataris and then just becomes media ‘content’. Thats what Test rugby will be reduced to.
1 Go to commentsSo as long as the playmaker still has the ball IN his hands, its OK. Otherwise the timing is wrong and he’s a liability. No grey line there. Thats the rule he is advocating ? Got it.
12 Go to commentsWrite them off at your peril
13 Go to commentsJust fantastic that the professional game is finally being taken to the Pacific islands. Not before time. It justifies the mere existence of Moana as a club, hopefully they can start to get some positive results too. Check out the sheer joy of the crowds in Fiji and the buzz that having a home team creates. Tonga always had (has ?) issues with their ground not complying with International rugby standards, which NZ always used as an excuse for many years not bringing the All Blacks over. Hopefully this match is the first of many. Would be great to see some tourism grow on the back of it. I once went to the Cook Islands Sevens in Rarotonga - tiny island nation but man did they turn it on. Tonga and Samoa will too given half a chance.
1 Go to commentsQuite right. Punish the time wasters. Its BS these time delays for non-injuries. The Boks have been using it for years now to slow down opposition and now its a scourge on the game. Put players like DeGroot on the sideline and restart play immediately. Watch how 5-6 min to fix your boots quickly becomes 1-2 minutes. Better still how about some personal professional management and you check the conditions/turf beforehand and get yourself better prepared. It might even help your team.
3 Go to commentsWhat drivel. Rugby as a contact sport should not be further diminished by crying over legal hard tackles. Take on the line? Be ready to take the hit. This is PC nonsense.
12 Go to commentsGregor Paul is going to be proved totally wrong. The Crusaders will get in the top 8 and are capable of winning this comp. The return of magnificent captain and player Scott Barrett on Friday was huge. There are a number of players returning and Ethan Blackadder showed huge progression in only his third game back. Christian Lio-Willie has added a new dimension , these two’s combination with Cullen Grace was fantastic. This builds depth when you have outstanding players like Tom Christie and Dom Gardiner also available. The tight five improved ten fold and this is with Tamaiti Williams and Codie Taylor being back.Others are set to return. Johnny McNicoll on his return home has been a revelation. Paul can dismiss Fridays win by the Crusaders as much as he likes and he will prove very popular in this country in doing so. But he will be proved wrong , Rob Penney and his coaching team will have the last laugh.
13 Go to comments