All Blacks fans have received welcome news with injured lock Brodie Retallick confirming he was hitting tackle bags at training and expected to increase the intensity of collision on his recovering shoulder this week.
The 2014 World Player of the Year dislocated his shoulder against South Africa in July and suffered nerve damage that he thought might keep him out of the global showpiece.
Coach Steve Hansen, however, selected Retallick anyway on the expectation he would be ready to play again by the knockout stage, although the 28‑year‑old said he hoped to be on the field earlier than that.
Both Retallick and assistant coach Ian Foster would not be drawn on a timeline of a potential return, with the All Blacks not playing again until next Wednesday when they face Canada.
The All Blacks will face Canada at 10.15 pm next Wednesday.
[Source: Radio NZ]
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