Rugby World Cup 2019: Retallick named for All Blacks return against Namibia

Brodie Retallick has been named to make his return for the All Blacks when they face Namibia at the Rugby World Cup on Sunday.

Retallick, 28, was initially in doubt for the tournament due to a dislocated shoulder suffered against South Africa in July.

However, the lock will make his return against Namibia in the Pool B encounter in Chofu.

“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,” All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said in a statement on Friday.

“Obviously, Brodie is very excited to be in a position to pull the jersey back on.”

Retallick’s return is a huge boost for a New Zealand side who have won their opening two games of the tournament.

Jordie Barrett will start at fly-half for the All Blacks, who will be in action just four days after their 63-0 thrashing of Canada.

ICYMI | Presenting your All Blacks team to take on Namibia!

READ MORE https://t.co/CelE3RjmP8#BACKBLACK #NZLvNAM pic.twitter.com/15dqna9c4P

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 4, 2019

“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.”

Samuel Whitelock will captain the All Blacks for a sixth time.

New Zealand: Ben Smith, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, George Bridge, Jordie Barrett, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea.
Replacements: Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Matt Todd, Brad Weber, TJ Perenara, Rieko Ioane.

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