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'It's been my life for the last sort of 12 years': Retallick reflects on career after 100th Test
By Finn Morton
While it wasn’t the result they would’ve wanted against England, the All Blacks still had 100 reasons to celebrate one of the greatest players to have ever worn the coveted black jersey.
New Zealand lock Brodie Retallick became just the 12th player to play 100 Test matches for the All Blacks - two-time World Cup winning captain Richie McCaw was the first to reach the milestone in 2011.
Retallick made his debut against Ireland more than a decade ago, and went on to become one of the greatest players in the history of New Zealand rugby.
The Test veteran became the first lock, and the only one still, to win World Rugby’s Men’s 15s Player of the Year award when he was crowned the world’s best player in 2014.
Retallick was somewhat stuck in purgatory though after being red carded during his 99th Test match against Japan last month.
But after serving a ban, Retallick was able to make his return against traditional rugby rivals England, and raise the bat along with Owen Farrell who also played his 100th Test.
Speaking with Finlay Christie in the changerooms after the 25-all draw, Retallick said it was too difficult to highlight one standout moment from his time as an All Black.
“Winning the World Cup is right up there, the quarter-final verse France (in) Cardiff,” Retallick told Christie on In The Sheds with Red.
“Just the memories really with the boys and being on tour.
“It’s been my life for the last sort of 12 years so it’s hard to put one finger on any moment.”
As for the Test against England at Twickenham, the All Blacks surrendered a commanding 25-6 inside the final 10 minutes to draw 25-all.
A Will Stuart double and a try to Freddie Steward saw the hosts rally, as they fought hard against a fatiguing All Blacks defence to salvage a draw.
Retallick said the All Blacks can still be “pretty proud” with themselves after a difficult international season, which has included historic losses at home to Ireland and Argentina.
“It was a good Test match I think,” he said.
“I thought we were in control, especially the first 40. Little bit of discipline probably let us down at time and England came back.
“I think we can be pretty proud, we’ve had some good growth this year. Considering where we were in June, July so I think we’re right there but a little bit to go.”
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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