Coach Steve Hansen has gambled on the experienced Retallick, who will be on the plane to Japan despite still recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered in the Rugby Championship. Retallick is only expected to return to action for the quarter-finals.
In a surprise move, Test centurion Owen Franks, who has earned 108 caps for New Zealand, has not made the squad despite playing an extended part in the All Blacks’ preparations for the tournament.
Instead, Hansen has opted for more mobile props in Atu Moli and Angus Ta’avao.
Liam Squire, who made himself available for selection this week after originally ruling himself out due to his struggles with injury, has also been left out but the loose forward is understood to be on the standby list.
In midfield, Hansen has opted for Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty – who will return from a thumb injury this weekend – and Anton Lienert-Brown. Ngani Laumape has been left out.
The squad features 17 forwards and 14 backs with the following positional breakdown: three hookers, five props, four locks, five loose forwards, three halfbacks, two first five-eighths (flyhalfs), four midfielders and five outside backs.
The All Blacks will again be captained by Kieran Read, who will be at his third Rugby World Cup, together with lock Sam Whitelock and midfielder Sonny Bill Williams. Nine players will be going to their second tournament, while for 19 it will be their first time.
The All Blacks will kick off their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Yokahama (Saturday, 21 September), then play Canada in Oita (Wednesday, 2 October), Namibia in Tokyo (Sunday, 6 October), and their final pool match is against Italy in Toyota (Saturday, 12 October).
All Blacks squad:
Forwards: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Liam Coltman, Atu Moli, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tuungafasi, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Kieran Read (c), Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Matt Todd, Luke Jacobson.
Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Ben Smith.
Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images
