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'It's been my life for the last sort of 12 years': Retallick reflects on career after 100th Test
By Finn Morton
While it wasn’t the result they would’ve wanted against England, the All Blacks still had 100 reasons to celebrate one of the greatest players to have ever worn the coveted black jersey.
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New Zealand lock Brodie Retallick became just the 12th player to play 100 Test matches for the All Blacks – two-time World Cup winning captain Richie McCaw was the first to reach the milestone in 2011.
Retallick made his debut against Ireland more than a decade ago, and went on to become one of the greatest players in the history of New Zealand rugby.
The Test veteran became the first lock, and the only one still, to win World Rugby’s Men’s 15s Player of the Year award when he was crowned the world’s best player in 2014.
Retallick was somewhat stuck in purgatory though after being red carded during his 99th Test match against Japan last month.
But after serving a ban, Retallick was able to make his return against traditional rugby rivals England, and raise the bat along with Owen Farrell who also played his 100th Test.
Speaking with Finlay Christie in the changerooms after the 25-all draw, Retallick said it was too difficult to highlight one standout moment from his time as an All Black.
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“Winning the World Cup is right up there, the quarter-final verse France (in) Cardiff,” Retallick told Christie on In The Sheds with Red.
“Just the memories really with the boys and being on tour.
“It’s been my life for the last sort of 12 years so it’s hard to put one finger on any moment.”
As for the Test against England at Twickenham, the All Blacks surrendered a commanding 25-6 inside the final 10 minutes to draw 25-all.
A Will Stuart double and a try to Freddie Steward saw the hosts rally, as they fought hard against a fatiguing All Blacks defence to salvage a draw.
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Retallick said the All Blacks can still be “pretty proud” with themselves after a difficult international season, which has included historic losses at home to Ireland and Argentina.
“It was a good Test match I think,” he said.
“I thought we were in control, especially the first 40. Little bit of discipline probably let us down at time and England came back.
“I think we can be pretty proud, we’ve had some good growth this year. Considering where we were in June, July so I think we’re right there but a little bit to go.”
