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International

Veteran commentator on big Retallick call facing Rennie’s All Blacks

By Henry Lee

2 hours ago

Australia's coach Dave Rennie (R) speaks with New Zealand's Brodie Retallick (R) after after the Rugby Championship match between Australia and New Zealand at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on September 15, 2022. - - -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

One of New Zealand’s best and longest serving rugby commentators, Grant Nisbett, has weighed in on the future of All Blacks centurion Brodie Retallick, amidst rumours of a return under new head coach Dave Rennie.

Retallick played over 100 games for both the Chiefs and the All Blacks, and has been in fine form in Japan, leading the competition’s try-scoring tally with 14 so far this season.

Rennie floated the idea of Retallick returning in his first press conference back in March, when asked about the New Zealand Rugby eligibility laws and whether he wanted them to be changed.

Despite not providing a definitive answer that would suggest Rennie is 100 per cent sure on the idea, his comments have started driving conversations in New Zealand about the possibility of a return for overseas players.

VIDEO

He said, “I’ll comment on Brodie Retallick. I get to see him train and play every week. He’s stronger than he’s ever been, he’s fitter than he’s ever been.

“I’m not sure if I’m allowed to [pick him] yet. There’s no doubt, we want to win the World Cup, and you need your best players available,” Rennie said.

Nisbett, who has commented on over 350 All Blacks Tests, believes that the All Blacks should develop the future locks they already have in their environment, rather than bringing a 34-year-old back to the country.

“My personal opinion, TJ, as we move on, I think Brodie Retallick was an outstanding Test player in his time, but it would be sort of makeshift to try and get us through to the World Cup and not beyond,” the Sky Sport commentator said on Sport Nation Mornings.

“I just like the look of several young guys who have come through this year. And I was particularly taken on Friday night with Jamie Hannah who I think this is a player of the future, without any doubt whatsoever.

“You’ve got Scott Barrett, of course, lurking there. And I’m liking Sam Darry, too, I’m liking Josh Lord so I think we have to move on eventually, and this is the time to do it.”

Sport Nation’s host on Easter weekend, Tony Johnson, agreed with Nisbett, bringing up that Darry looks like he has leadership qualities about him, too.

“Yep, fair enough, too. I think that’s it’s always a tough one but we do seem to have options. I think that the Tupou Vaa’i Josh Lord combo, is going really well for the Chiefs.

“There’s something about Sam Darry. There’s a bit of leadership quality there too, taking over as the captain. And, yeah, Hannah, that’s the sort of guy I think that Dave Rennie will be wanting, guys who can really mix it and move bodies.”

Comments

3 Comments

jclaytonf 1 hr ago

He was a great All Black and is still a great player but Rennie’s desire to bring him back is a red flag for the future of the All Blacks. He needs to be looking forward, not reminiscing about the past.

SB 1 hr ago

That position is not a weakness in my opinion for the All Blacks.

If no one stands out as Roigard’s backup, getting Aaron Smith back would be a better decision.

KwAussie 2 hours ago

100% correct, the idea that the ABs need to go back to the past is just wrong. If a player wants to come back they need to prove on the field that they are the best player in that position. The past is meaningless

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