New Zealand second‑row Brodie Retallick is expected back from injury in October but South Africa thinks the All Blacks may be up to something.
Springboks Assistant Coach Matthew Proudfoot thinks the All Blacks could be trying to pull a fast one ahead of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup 2019 showdown in Yokohama.
The All Blacks have said Retallick will not be ready to play until the last Pool B match against Italy on 12 October at the earliest.
New Zealand Assistant Coach Ian Foster who was puzzled by the comments says Retallick has been progressing really strongly but he won’t be playing on Saturday.
Foster says they haven’t been sneaking Retallick in for training or anything like that.
The Rugby World cup kicks-off this Friday with hosts Japan taking on Russia at 10.45pm.
Fiji play the Wallabies at 4.45pm this Saturday.
France and Argentina face off at 7.15pm Saturday while the All Blacks and Springboks clash at 9.45pm Saturday.
On Sunday, Italy and Namibia play at 5.15pm, Ireland and Scotland face off at 7.45pm Sunday while England clash with Tonga at 10.15pm Sunday.
Source: Rugbyworldcup.com
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