Rugby World Cup 2023: the All Blacks with Retallick and a very experienced group

Second row Brodie Retallick, a New Zealand executive, is in the All Blacks squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, according to the roster released on Monday, but is expected to miss the opening match against France (September 8) due to an injury suffered last Saturday against Australia.

Hit in a knee, Retallick, 32 (103 caps), left his teammates during the first half of the match won on Saturday by the New Zealanders against the Wallabies (23-20). The second line, selected to play in his third World Cup, should therefore miss the shock at the start of the 2023 edition against the XV of France of coach Fabien Galthié.

“I will respect the protocol that the doctors have given, and I hope to be operational for the second pool match,” said the person concerned. “At worst, I will miss two or even three matches. »

“We felt he deserved his selection and we will deal with that,” said coach Ian Foster. New Zealand, which also deplores the absences of prop Joe Moody and third line wing Ethan Blackadder, has obviously retained its experienced executives such as scrum half Aaron Smith, back Beauden Barrett, second line Samuel Whitelock or even the third line and captain Sam Cane.

The All Blacks are on a positive dynamic and have just won the Rugby Championship. They thus approach this World Cup with confidence, where they will face France, organizer, at the opening on September 8, as part of Pool A which also includes Italy, Namibia and Uruguay.

The group of 33 New Zealanders for the 2023 World Cup

BEFORE

Pillars: Ethan de Groot, Fletcher Newell, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax

Talonneurs: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor

Back rows: Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Tupou Vaa’i

Back rows: Sam Cane (cap.), Ardie Savea, Shannon Frizell, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i

ARRIERES

Scrum-half: Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard

Demis d’ouverture: Richie Mo’unga, Damian McKenzie

Centres: Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili

Ailiers: Mark Telea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa

Backs: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan