Retallick may play against Namibia

TOKYO: Brodie Retallick could be back on the pitch earlier than expected, with suggestions the towering All Blacks lock will return during pool play.

The New Zealand Herald understands Retallick, who has been sidelined by a shoulder injury, is on track to return for the All Blacks’ match against Namibia on October 6.

The 28yearold had been expected to remain on the sidelines until the quarterfinal stages of the tournament, but his recovery was progressing more quickly than expected.

It was confirmed yesterday that Retallick would miss the All Blacks’ opener against South Africa tonight, putting to rest the suspicions of Springboks forwards coach Matt Proudfoot, who was prepared for him to be named in the gameday squad.

‘‘Steve Hansen said they had a full squad to pick from. That was his last press release so I wouldn’t be surprised if they have a little trick up their sleeve,’’ Proudfoot said at a press conference earlier in the week.

While Hansen decided Retallick was not ready to return for the opening game, he did note Retallick looked good in training.

When asked at a press conference if Retallick would return during pool play, Hansen said: ‘‘We’ll have to wait and see.’’

Retallick’s return would be a big boost for the All Blacks.

Former captain Sean Fitzpatrick said this week that another locking injury would put the reigning champion in ‘‘big trouble’’.

‘‘Having lost Retallick for at least the early pool games, if we lose Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu, then we are in big trouble.

Though they appear set to get Retallick back for an extra two games, the All Blacks are taking precautions with loose forward Matt Todd, who suffered a shoulder injury in training.

Hansen suggested Todd’s injury was not serious, but at this early stage of the tournament the All Blacks were unwilling to risk their players.

Loose forward Luke Jacobson has already been ruled out of the tournament due to concussion and was replaced in the squad by Tasman’s Shannon Frizell, who now finds himself on the bench against the Springboks.