Rugby World Cup 2019: New Zealand name Jordie Barrett at fly-half for first time as Brodie Retallick returns

Youngest Barrett brother to make his first start in the No 10 shirt for the All Blacks while Retallick returns from injury two weeks earlier than expected

Greg Stutchbury

Tokyo

Friday 04 October 2019 05:55 BST

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Rugby World Cup 2019 in numbers

Utility back Jordie Barrett will make his first appearance at fly-half for the All Blacks against Namibia in their Pool B clash in Tokyo on Sunday, while Brodie Retallick has returned from injury earlier than expected.

Coach Steve Hansen chose just two specialist fly-halves in his World Cup squad in Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett, who has been playing full-back in a dual playmaker game plan with Mo'unga wearing the No 10 jersey.

Hansen said prior to the tournament there was a likelihood that his utility backs – including Jordie Barrett, Ryan Crotty and scrum-half TJ Perenara – could play the pivotal role in pool games against the tier-two nations. Perenara will provide cover off the bench.

"Jordie can play multiple positions in the backline and we're confident that he'll responsibility well," Hansen said.

"He has all the skillsets required and we're looking forward to seeing him play there."

Rugby World Cup team of round two

Show all 15

1/15Rugby World Cup team of round two

Rugby World Cup team of round two

1, Ellis Genge (England)

The loosehead prop may have only come on for England at half-time, but there had not been a run at the World Cup from a prop quite like what Genge produced against the USA. A barn-storming run saw him outpace one defender and trample over another, breaking the best part of 50 metres before it took two men to stop him. He was also excellent in the scrum to win countless penalties as the USA wilted.

AP

Rugby World Cup team of round two

2. Julian Montoya (Argentina)

It takes something special to shine in Agustin Creevy’s absence, but Montoya delivered with an excellent hat-trick to help lead Argentina to victory over Tonga. Montoya was smart to stay wide following a lineout for his first try, was the beneficiary of the rolling maul for the second and powered his way over from close range for a classy 26-minute hat-trick.

AP

Rugby World Cup team of round two

3. Levan Chilachava (Georgia)

It’s not often a Georgian makes the team of the round, but Chilachava lead an inspired Georgian pack to dominate Uruguay in their Sunday clash, scoring a try in the bonus-point victory and monstering the opposition front row in the scrum.

REUTERS

Rugby World Cup team of round two

4. Luke Thomspon (Japan)

A herculean effort from the lock as Japan upset the odds to beat Ireland. Thompson did not miss a single tackle in a standout display with fellow lock James Moore.

Getty Images

Rugby World Cup team of round two

5. Lood de Jager (South Africa)

The Springbok needed a big performance to strengthen his case for selection in what is a very competitive area for South Africa, and the giant second row delivered emphatically with a man-of-the-match performance. He may not have got on the scoresheet, but his impact in destroying Namibia’s gameplan was standout nonetheless.

AP

Rugby World Cup team of round two

6. Aaron Wainwright (Wales)

A young player whose development at the World Cup is really turning heads. Wainwright did not look out of place up against one of the greats of the game against David Pocock, and it was his ball-carrying ability that really stood out in an eye-catching performance.

Getty Images

Rugby World Cup team of round two

7. Lewis Ludlam (England)

A remarkable rise to prominence saw Ludlam score his first World Cup try for England in the demolition of the USA, but it was his all-round performance last week that earns him his place in the side. From nowhere, Ludlam is emerging as a very important member of the England team.

AFP/Getty Images

Rugby World Cup team of round two

8. Michael Leitch (Japan)

Another substitute who made such a strong contribution to a winning cause. Leitch came on after the half-hour mark to replace Amanaki Mafi and lead by example, setting the tone for Japan’s latest great upset.

EPA

Rugby World Cup team of round two

9. Gareth Davies (Wales)

Australia could not keep Davies out of the game in Tokyo, with the scrum-half twice intercepting Will Genia and Bernard Foley and nearly bagging himself a third in the second half. He was also excellent at injecting pace into the game and tried to catch the defence napping throughout.

Getty Images

Rugby World Cup team of round two

10. Felipe Berchesi (Uruguay)

The Uruguayan was excellent in Uruguay’s victory over Fiji, with the South American’s forced to double-up across the round by playing Georgia a handful of days later. Berchesi had to make do with a team on the back foot more often than not, yet managed to release his outside backs to run Fiji ragged.

AFP/Getty Images

Rugby World Cup team of round two

11. Makazole Mapimpi (South Africa)

Mapimpi emerged from the shadow of Cheslin Kolbe to star in South Africa’s rout of Namibia, scoring two tries to trigger the landslide victory. Mapimpi may not get the shower of praise that his elusive teammate receives, but he showed how dangerous he can be with the ball in hand, showing a devastating turn of pace backed up by some serious power.

REUTERS

Rugby World Cup team of round two

12. Ryoto Nakamura (Japan)

Going up against the talented duo of Chris Farrell and Garry Ringrose, Nakamura did himself proud with a number of eye-catching tackles and defensive work that any centre would be proud of. He also proved the glue between fly-half Yu Tamura and the dangerous wings outside him.

AFP/Getty Images

Rugby World Cup team of round two

13. Lukhanyo Am (South Africa)

The third Springbok to feature in the side, Am enjoyed possible his best outing at international level, bagging a try himself on the 57-3 victory immediately after half-time as they picked up where they left off.

AP

Rugby World Cup team of round two

14. Kotaro Matsushima (Japan)

The only man to retain his spot in the side after yet another strong showing in Shizuoka, Matsushima is establishing himself as one of the must-watch players at the World Cup. One brilliant mazy run in the second half stood out among a lengthy highlight reel.

AFP/Getty Images

Rugby World Cup team of round two

15. Telusa Veainu (Tonga)

The full-back returned to the Tonga side for the first time in two years and marked his comeback with a brilliant showing, scoring twice in their losing effort against Argentina and producing a sublime finish for his second try after combining with Cooper Vuna.

AP

Retallick dislocated his shoulder against the Springboks in July and suffered nerve damage that he thought could keep him out of the tournament altogether.

The 2014 World Player of the Year, however, was selected in the squad on the expectation that he would be available for the knockout stage of the tournament, although the lock said he had hoped to be back for the last pool game against Italy.

"It's great to have Brodie back," Hansen added.

"There's been some great work done by not only Brodie but also the medical team. Obviously, Brodie is very excited to be in a position to be pulling the jersey back on."

With captain Kieran Read rested for the match, Sam Whitelock will lead the side against Namibia in his absence.

New Zealand team to face Namibia

Ben Smith; Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, George Bridge; Jordie Barrett, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala; Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock; Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea.

Replacements: Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Matt Todd, Brad Weber, TJ Perenara, Rieko Ioane

Reuters

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