As the All Blacks brace for a new era under Dave Rennie, the spotlight turns once again to Brodie Retallick, whose relentless drive and rugby acumen have caught the eye of none other than Eddie Jones. With Rennie stepping in following Scott Robertson’s exit, the debate over the selection of overseas-based players has reignited, with Retallick's name leading the conversation.
Rennie, poised to leave his coaching duties in Japan for the All Blacks role, has made no secret of his admiration for Retallick, whom he previously mentored at the Chiefs. This powerhouse lock has not only dominated the fields of Japan but has maintained a standard of play that makes him a desirable recruit for any team. Jones, speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, emphasized Retallick's undying commitment to the game, highlighting a recent match where Retallick's efforts were particularly telling. “In the last minute of the game, the opposition make a break down the right-hand side, Retallick sprints 50 metres to ankle tap the bloke who’s in the clear," Jones recounted, showcasing the lock's unparalleled dedication.
“His effort and his desire to be the best all the time is incredible. He’s 35, 36 (editor’s note: 34), he just plays the game at a high level, leads by example, the best player up here by an absolute mile. Class is permanent,”
Despite his success abroad, Retallick had expressed a sense of finality about his All Blacks career earlier in the year, stating his time seemed 'done.' However, the new coaching change and Jones' persuasive words might influence a rethink. Jones, a former Wallabies and England coach, argued for bending the rules to accommodate a player of Retallick's stature. “It makes you feel good about rugby when you see players do that. That was always the thing that differentiated the All Blacks; always play like an All Black, train like an All Black, and he holds those standards to the highest extreme,” Jones added.
As Rennie prepares to take the helm, and with the backing of influential figures like Jones, the stage is set for a potential blockbuster return for Retallick. His presence on the field could very well be the x-factor the All Blacks need to dominate the international rugby scene once more.
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As the All Blacks brace for a new era under Dave Rennie, the spotlight turns once again to Brodie Retallick, whose relentless drive and rugby acumen have caught the eye of none other than Eddie Jones. With Rennie stepping in following Scott Robertson’s exit, the debate over the selection of overseas-based players has reignited, with Retallick's name leading the conversation.
Rennie, poised to leave his coaching duties in Japan for the All Blacks role, has made no secret of his admiration for Retallick, whom he previously mentored at the Chiefs. This powerhouse lock has not only dominated the fields of Japan but has maintained a standard of play that makes him a desirable recruit for any team. Jones, speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, emphasized Retallick's undying commitment to the game, highlighting a recent match where Retallick's efforts were particularly telling. “In the last minute of the game, the opposition make a break down the right-hand side, Retallick sprints 50 metres to ankle tap the bloke who’s in the clear," Jones recounted, showcasing the lock's unparalleled dedication.
“His effort and his desire to be the best all the time is incredible. He’s 35, 36 (editor’s note: 34), he just plays the game at a high level, leads by example, the best player up here by an absolute mile. Class is permanent,”
Despite his success abroad, Retallick had expressed a sense of finality about his All Blacks career earlier in the year, stating his time seemed 'done.' However, the new coaching change and Jones' persuasive words might influence a rethink. Jones, a former Wallabies and England coach, argued for bending the rules to accommodate a player of Retallick's stature. “It makes you feel good about rugby when you see players do that. That was always the thing that differentiated the All Blacks; always play like an All Black, train like an All Black, and he holds those standards to the highest extreme,” Jones added.
As Rennie prepares to take the helm, and with the backing of influential figures like Jones, the stage is set for a potential blockbuster return for Retallick. His presence on the field could very well be the x-factor the All Blacks need to dominate the international rugby scene once more.