Brodie Retallick to make All Blacks return

David Skippers

New Zealand's Brodie Retallick

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has rung the changes to his starting XV for their Rugby World Cup encounter with Namibia in Tokyo on Sunday.

Hansen has made 13 changes in all to the run-on side which beat Canada in Oita on Wednesday and there are also several changes to the replacements bench.

Veteran lock Brodie Retallick makes his return to action after being sidelined for 10 weeks due to a shoulder injury sustained in a Rugby Championship match against South Africa in Wellington.

Retallick will pack down in the second-row alongside Sam Whitelock, who will also captain the side.

“It’s great to have Brodie back,” said Hansen.

“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 is confident Whitelock will do a good job as the team’s captain.

“Sam brings a wealth of leadership experience and is the logical choice to lead the team,” he added.

“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 squad selection also features Jordie Barrett, who is named to play at 10 for the first time, with TJ Perenara his back up.

“Jordie can play multiple positions in the backline and we’re confident that he’ll handle the responsibility well. He has all the skill sets required and we’re looking forward to seeing him play there,” said Hansen.

The starting front-row is Joe Moody, hooker Codie Taylor and Nepo Laulala, with Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta’avao and Dane Coles coming off the bench.

Patrick Tuipulotu is back-up lock to Retallick and Whitelock, while the starting loose forward trio of Shannon Frizell at six, Sam Cane at seven and Ardie Savea in the eight jersey will be supported from the bench by Matt Todd.

In the backs, Aaron Smith starts at nine, outside Barrett are Anton Lienert-Brown and Jack Goodhue, while the back three are George Bridge and Sevu Reece on the wings and Ben Smith at full-back. As well as Perenara, Brad Weber and Reiko Ioane provide backline cover.

“In naming this team, we had to consider the short turnaround between the Canadian and Namibian games,” said Hansen.

“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.”

New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 George Bridge, 10 Jordie Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Brad Weber, 22 TJ Perenara, 23 Rieko Ioane

Date: Saturday, October 5
Venue: Tokyo Stadium
Kick-off: 13.45 local (05:45 BST, 04:45 GMT)
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Shuhei Kubo (Japan)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)