All Blacks lock Retallick to miss first Test against France

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen confirmed lock Brodie Retallick will miss New Zealand’s opening Test against France.

A suspected pectoral injury will sideline Retallick for Saturday’s clash at Eden Park in Auckland, Hansen announced.

The Chiefs second-rower – who is set to undergo scans – was replaced at half-time in Saturday’s 34-20 Super Rugby loss to the Crusaders.

“I can’t tell you anything for definite about Brodie, except that he won’t be playing on Saturday,” Hansen said.

“We’ve got to wait until the holidays over, so that we can get a scan.”

UPDATE: Steve Hansen says Brodie Retallick definitely ruled out of the opening Steinlager Series Test next weekend. Due to have a scan this week. #SteinlagerSeries #NZLvFRA

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 4, 2018

Locks Luke Romano and Tom Franklin have been drafted into the All Blacks squad as injury cover.

After facing France in Auckland, the All Blacks will play host to the European visitors in Wellington (June 16) and Dunedin (June 23).

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