It will be a special night this Saturday as it marks the 50th Test for both Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith in the All Blacks jersey. The World-Class All Black Duo will help drive their team toward a 3-0 series clean sweep.
Following their 2011 Rugby World Cup victory on home soil, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith were fresh selections the next year. Not even All Black coach Steve Hansen could have foreseen the levels that the two youngsters would rise to. Now in 2016, both are aged under 30 and both are a part of the All Blacks Senior Leadership Group.
50th Test for Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith
Widely-known as the world’s best lock, Retallick has been an All Black regular since making his debut back in 2012 against Ireland. His selection in the All Blacks was reward for his part in New Zealand’s successful 2011 Junior World Championship (Under 20) campaign. The 123kg, monstrous 25-year old hails from the North Canterbury town of Amberley originally. His family shifted north to the Hawkes Bay where he gained the eye of rugby system. Since then, he has been a handful for every side Steve Hansen and his men have come up against.
Not only was Retallick a large part of the All Black’s success at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but the lock also played his part in the 2013 undefeated run with New Zealand’s national side. A double Super Rugby title winner with the Chiefs, his resume is growing. Named International Player of the Year in 2014 for his success with the Investec Rugby Championship and Autumn Series in Europe. A true performer who is imposing as well as a great link player.
Smith considered the ‘Best Halfback in World Rugby’
Aaron Smith has risen to a point that his status as the ‘best halfback in World Rugby‘ is simply unquestionable. Think of the Pool match against Argentina during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. It was Smith who scored the first try after the halftime break, that put the All Blacks into the lead with his sniper-like step from the back of the breakdown. Just last weekend against Wales in Wellington, Smith setup a try for Israel Dagg by his quick thinking. Taking the ball from the breakdown, quickly stepping to his right before throwing a long pass to the returning fullback who scored. But it was his original quick-stepping that had drawn in the Welsh defenders, that deserves the applause.
A Super Rugby winner in 2015 with the Highlanders, Smith is a proud Manawatu Turbos man. A combative figure who is also a former NZ Maori representative, capturing the prestigious Tom French Memorial Trophy for Maori players. His man in the side now see’s him lead the Haka–a real honour. Smith also has the second-highest number of starts at halfback for the All Blacks, with 45. That leaves him only second behind legendary All Black; turned Sky Television commentator, Justin Marshall.
“On behalf of the team, we would like to congratulate Aaron and Brodie on reaching this special milestone. They can be rightly proud of everything they have achieved so far in the black jersey”, Hansen said.
Hansen Names Three New Caps
With the Steinlager Series against Wales ‘in the bag’, Hansen has made room for three new faces in the All Blacks this weekend. Local standout Elliot Dixon (pictured) starts in the loose forwards trio–reward for a stellar season of Super Rugby with the Highlanders thus far in 2016. George Moala, with a single Test cap under his belt against Samoa last year, returns to the midfield to replace the injured Malakai Fekitoa. After steady progress with the Blues over the last three years, 24-year old prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi will debut off the bench, as does Highlanders loose forward Liam Squire.
Due to a neck injury, Aaron Cruden is replaced as the starting first five by the highly dangerous Beauden Barrett, who last week scored his tenth try for the All Blacks and has already scored 156 Test points, 17th on the all-time scorers list.
The All Blacks squad for the Third Test against Wales:
1. Joe Moody (13)
2. Dane Coles (38)
3. Charlie Faumuina (35)
4. Brodie Retallick (49)
5. Samuel Whitelock (74)
6. Elliot Dixon
7. Sam Cane (33)
8. Kieran Read – captain (86)
9. Aaron Smith (49)
10. Beauden Barrett (38)
11. Julian Savea (42)
12. Ryan Crotty (17)
13. George Moala (1)
14. Ben Smith (50)
15. Israel Dagg (50)
16. Codie Taylor (4)
17. Wyatt Crockett (47)
18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
19. Luke Romano (23)
20. Liam Squire
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (20)
22. Lima Sopoaga (1)
23. Waisake Naholo (5)
- debut players in bold.
- The third and final test of the 2016 Steinlager Test Series between New Zealand and Wales will be played in Dunedin, 7:35pm at Forsyth-Barr Stadium.
World-Class All Black Duo
The World-Class All Black Duo of Retallick and Smith will undoubtedly contribute to the teams success. Last Word On Sport commend both on their careers and their ongoing roles within NZ Rugby.
“Main photo credit”
