Back in England, New Zealander Retalik will honor his 100th match

Brodie Retalik is back in New Zealand’s squad to face England on Saturday after serving a two-week ban for dangerous play in the 38-31 win over Japan in Tokyo last month. He’s missed recent victories over Wales (55-23) and Scotland (31-23). Thus, Retallick (31) is poised to become the 12th New Zealander to tally 100 picks. The All Blacks record (148 caps) is held by former third-line winger and New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, who finished his career in 2015.

With Retallick running back, Scott Barrett was moved to the third line position on the wing. Beauden Barrett will start at fullback, while the third of the brothers, Jordy, will leave the No. 15 position to support Rico Ewan in the middle. Retallick and Sam Whitelock would also take a new world record of 64 Test match starts together in the second row, the previous record of 63 held by former South African players Pakis Botha and Victor Matfield.

New Zealand composition:

B. Barrett – Telea, Ioane, J. Barrett, Clarke – Mo’unga, Smith – A. Savea, Papali’i, S. Barrett – Whitelock (cap.), Retallick – Lomax, Taylor, de Groot

Subs: Taukei’aho, Bower, Laulala, Frizell, Sotutu, Perenara, Havili, Lienert-Brown