Retallick out, Smith back for Ireland

Brodie Retallick out of the first Irish test; Aaron Smith expected to come straight back into the fold, and the desire to give his full squad game time on the northern tour. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has plenty to ponder as the team left for Chicago yesterday.

Retallick, world player of the year in 2014, joins fellow lock Sam Whitelock on the sidelines, stripping the All Blacks of two classy ball winners and midfield targets.

A decision will be made once on the ground as to when Retallick (concussion) and Whitelock (high ankle sprain) travel. But for the first test against Ireland on November 5, Wellington loose forward/lock Vaea Fifita has been called in as a replacement, joining uncapped Crusaders second-rower Scott Barrett.

Patrick Tuipulotu and Luke Romano are favoured to start with either Barrett, Fifita or recalled Blues loose forward Steven Luatua providing cover from the bench in Chicago.

‘‘We’ve got three specialists locks and then Vaea can play both positions so reasonably comfortable,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘With Sam and Brodie not being there initially Scott Barrett and Fifita will be in the hunt.’’

Hansen confirmed Smith, who sat out the past two tests in Durban and Auckland, would make a return next week. Hansen is not one to hold a grudge and feels Smith has served his time following the toilet incident at Christchurch Airport.

Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara grabbed his opportunity in Smith’s absence and it remains to be seen whether Smith starts or comes off the bench.

‘‘I’d say so, yeah,’’ Hansen said about whether Smith would be involved. ‘‘He’s the best halfback in the world.’’

It is understood Beauden Barrett continues to struggle with an ear inflection he picked up in South Africa and battled in the lead-up to the win over the Wallabies at Eden Park. Nine days out from the Irish test, the All Blacks are confident Barrett will recover in time, though Aaron Cruden is a possibility to start.

Hansen used injuries to Whitelock and Retallick to take aim at criticism from Otago around the All Blacks not releasing third-choice hooker Liam Coltman for their Championship semi final against North Harbour.

‘‘That’s one of the reasons why Scott wasn’t made available to play for Canterbury. It’s a one-off situation we’re in and hence why he’s here.

‘‘If we lose a hooker it’s extremely difficult to prepare for a test match and to not have your third hooker there from the get go just wouldn’t work.

Hansen said those All Blacks not required for the Irish test who are eligible will instead turnout for New Zealand Maori, who take on a weakened USA team at the same venue one day prior. He also expressed a desire to give all 36 players some action across the four tests, meaning the likes of Coltman, Barrett and Fifita are in line for debuts.