Paraphrased Version:
Veteran All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick shared that the team is eager to build on the progress made during the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship as they embark on their four-Test tour of the Northern Hemisphere.
Although Japan is expected to challenge New Zealand with a quick, high-tempo style, Retallick emphasized that the All Blacks are focusing primarily on their own game plan.
“During the Rugby Championship, we felt we made good progress in areas we’d targeted after some earlier defeats,” he said. “Our main goal is to get back to the form we showed in Auckland a month ago and keep pushing forward in Europe.”
Japan’s recent ability to score from counterattacks and their desire to speed up play hasn’t gone unnoticed. Retallick, however, is confident in the All Blacks’ fitness to match — or even outpace — their opponents.
“We’re confident in our conditioning and aim to control the tempo early,” he said. “Our set-piece has been a big focus. If we execute well in that area, along with our carries and cleans, we’ll keep the ball — and that’s when opportunities open up.”
Assistant coach Scott McLeod addressed the squad’s recent player losses, including winger Leicester Fainga’anuku returning home due to family matters, and others missing due to illness or bereavement. He insisted the team had not been negatively impacted.
“We’ve got a strong and motivated group here,” McLeod said. “Everyone’s eager, and that energy is driving our preparations.”
Retallick echoed that sentiment, explaining the team doesn’t view the situation as a disruption.
“Losing three players the day before a Test would be a disruption,” he said. “But we knew these guys wouldn’t be with us before we even boarded the plane. We arrived Saturday night and used Sunday to finalize things. Though those players are important to us, we’ve adjusted and moved forward.”
With locks Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett absent — both key in the lineout — extra responsibility will fall on Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, and Patrick Tuipulotu. Retallick is confident in their readiness.
“Tupou has been involved with us for a while now, and Paddy brings a lot of experience. They know what’s expected.”
This situation, Retallick explained, highlights the value of having a strong leadership group, which ensures others are ready to step up when needed.
