'Is that supposed to be funny?': Brodie Retallick snaps at English writer

Retallick, a 79-test veteran who got through an excellent shift of almost 60 minutes against Ireland after only 30 minutes of rugby in the last few months, will be worth watching too on Saturday.

There is no doubt about how much he is valued by his teammates – Cane was effusive in his praise – and he will bring a hard but creative edge against what is probably the second-best team at this World Cup behind the All Blacks.

England are a proper threat, and Retallick's no-nonsense approach reflects that and what is at stake.

"Playing them on the end of year tour last year was a massive test," he said. "We only managed to come out ahead of them by one point. We know they're always physical. They've got a big forward pack who are very mobile, carry the ball well and have good skillsets.

"Likewise their backs, they have a pretty expansive game. I only saw a little bit of what they did against Australia, but they attack with variation and that's where we're going to have to be on our game.

"I'll go the full 80 – that's sort of out of my control," he said about his potential to back up on his return from a dislocated shoulder. "I was happy with the work I got through at the weekend. It was definitely a step up from the 30-odd minutes I had previously. I just loved being out there and being part of that victory."

Cane's elaboration was on the money, too: "It was good to have him back, eh," he said.

"It's incredible really that he goes 60 minutes like that after just 30 minutes against Namibia, to be honest. He dominates the middle of the park – he owns that role and can execute it really well. He sees pictures clearly and can take the ball to the line and put others in space. Without swelling his head, yeah it was good to have him back out there."

This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished again with permission.

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