Brodie Retallick named in New Zealand side for World Cup final against South Africa
Brodie Retallick returns to second row for New Zealand
©Steve Haag
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has made two changes to the matchday squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup final against South Africa on Saturday.
Brodie Retallick returns to second row joining Scott Barrett with Sam Whitelock moving to the bench.
The second changes comes on the bench as Nepo Laulala is selected over Fletcher Newell as a back up for tighthead prop.
“It’s an honour to fly our nation’s flag in the World Cup final once again,” said Foster.
“We are proud of what we have achieved so far in this tournament, but the job is not done yet and we know full well the challenge that lies ahead (on Saturday).
“Of the seven World Cups that have been held outside of New Zealand, the All Blacks have only managed to win one. It goes to show how hard it is to do but this group is determined to work hard for each other, as we have done all year.”
Team line up:
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Tele’a, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Reserves : 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Dalton Papali’i, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown
