All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick has avoided significant damage to his shoulder and should recover in time to be considered for World Cup selection.
Retallick dislocated his shoulder in the 16-16 draw with the Springboks in Wellington on Saturday and was removed from the field appearing to be in significant discomfort.
However, after being sent to Wellington Hospital, Retallick was cleared of any structural damage and did not need to undergo any scans on his shoulder.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was positive on Retallick’s status when speaking to the New Zealand media on Sunday.
‘We have a reasonably positive update. He’s only dislocated it, which means that there’s a good possibility he could make the World Cup,’ Hansen said. ‘There’s no timeline yet about when he’s going to return to play, hopefully he’ll be available to go to the World Cup.
‘He’s one of our best players, so I’m obviously relieved, it’s good.’
Hansen added that he had no issues with the cleanout from Bok lock RG Snyman which caused Retallick’s injury.
‘The cleanout itself was technically OK, apart for the fact he was offside – he entered the ruck from the side of the ruck – but that’s only a penalty. It’s a big boys game.’
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
