Squad Watch: NEW ZEALAND
Veteran lock Brodie Retallick has been named in New Zealand’s squad despite suffering a knee injury against Australia last weekend.
Retallick, 32, went off in the 23-20 win and is set to miss the World Cup opener against hosts France on September 8.
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster said it would be “around six weeks” before the 103-cap lock can play again, with the second pool game against Namibia on September 15 the target for his return.
“I will miss maybe two games, three at worst, so just have to follow the plan,” said Retallick, who is going to his third World Cup. “It’s a little bit sore but I am going on the timeline the doctors have said and hopefully I will be available for the second pool game.”
Prop Joe Moody, 34, who is also injured, is left out of the squad. Moody, a starter at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, has not played since May because of an ankle problem.
“We’ve got a lot of faith in him, he’s a special player and has done a lot for the black jersey and hopefully there will be an opportunity later for him,” said Foster.
Flanker Sam Cane will captain the side.
FORWARDS: Codie Taylor, Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot, Fletcher Newell, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell
BACKS: Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, David Havili, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Mark Telea, Will Jordan
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