Retallick back in six weeks

First the good news. Crocked All Blacks and Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick does not have a pectoral muscle tear and may be back on the field as soon as the Super Rugby playoffs.

Everyone should be breathing a sigh of relief about that, not the least the Chiefs, for they simply do not come any better than the 27-year-old, 68-test world-class second-row exponent.

On the downside, last year’s surprise success story at loosehead prop, and Retallick’s Chiefs team-mate, Kane Hames looks to be done for the year with his mystery head issues which have even the All Blacks coach scratching his head.

Steve Hansen was naturally rapt with the news on Retallick’s scan which should see arguably the world’s best lock back in All Blacks colours by the Rugby Championship.

‘‘He hasn’t got a pectoral tear which is great news,’’ said Hansen. ‘‘He has a small fracture . . . right in underneath his pec. He’ll be out for probably six weeks, which is good news considering a tear of his pectoral [muscle] would have been the season.

‘‘We’re reasonably happy with that prognosis. If the Chiefs make the [Super Rugby] playoffs he’ll probably be back for that. Certainly he should be right for the Rugby Championship.’’

Hansen was not quite so chirpy on the prognosis for Hames who started the last seven tests on the bounce for the All Blacks in 2017 as a replacement for the injured Joe Moody.

The 29-year-old has not been sighted for the Chiefs this season while dealing with ongoing issues from a head knock.

‘‘He’s starting to make a bit of progress, but Hamesy is Hamesy, and he likes to do things his way,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘I don’t know that he helps his progress by wanting to do it the way he wants to do it.

‘‘We’re in contact with him, and he’s making progress in the right direction. He’s been out of rugby and training for a long time, so I don’t think we’ll see him back this season. But we’re pretty confident we’ll see him back next year.’’

The All Blacks are also hoping to get sidelined skipper Kieran Read, hooker Dane Coles and prop Nepo Laulala back sooner rather than later, with Hansen confirming recently all were making good progress from their long-term injuries.