The All Blacks are set to bid farewell to the legendary locking partnership of Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock as their careers come to an end in Paris. After more than a decade of playing together, Retallick and Whitelock will part ways following the Rugby World Cup final against the Springboks. Whitelock will be heading to the Pau club in France, while Retallick will join the Kobelco Steelers club in Japan. This marks the end of the greatest locking partnership in the history of the All Blacks, with a combined total of 260 tests between them.
In the final match, Retallick will start alongside Scott Barrett in the second row, while Whitelock will begin on the bench. However, there is a good chance that Whitelock will enter the game around the 60th minute, allowing him to stand side-by-side with Retallick as they potentially secure victory. Coach Ian Foster has been rotating Whitelock and Retallick in recent weeks, with both players showcasing their exceptional skills.
Foster’s selection decisions have been ruthless throughout the tournament, as seen with the exclusion of popular hooker Dane Coles from the match-day 23. Retallick acknowledges the competitive nature of the squad and understands that selection is out of a player’s control. He praises Whitelock for his outstanding performances and emphasizes the importance of players embracing their roles within the team.
The All Blacks will face a formidable challenge from the Springboks, who have named seven forwards on their bench. Foster jokes about the previous encounter between the two teams, where the All Blacks had their numbers reduced due to a red card and a yellow card. He plans to employ a different strategy this time to ensure a successful outcome.
As the final curtain falls on their careers, Retallick and Whitelock leave behind a legacy of excellence and dedication. Their partnership has been instrumental in the success of the All Blacks, and they will be remembered as two of the greatest locks in the history of the sport. While their paths may diverge, their impact on New Zealand rugby will forever be cherished.