Share

Retallick predicts 'bit of edge' in Lions decider

accreditation
Brodie Retallick (Gallo Images)
Brodie Retallick (Gallo Images)

Auckland - The wounded All Blacks will bring an "edge" to the deciding third Test in Auckland after their rare loss to the British and Irish Lions, lock Brodie Retallick said on Monday.

The Lions downed the 14-man All Blacks 24-21 in Wellington after Sonny Bill Williams was red carded, setting up a winner-takes-all showdown at Eden Park on Saturday.

Retallick, a Rugby World Cup winner in 2015, said the chance to win a Lions series was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

"Right now, we're probably feeling a little bit more pressure within the group. It's do or die at 1-1," he told reporters.

He said the All Blacks were eager to take to the field and make amends for the loss.

"It'd be good just to go to Saturday right now and not have to worry about the rest of the week, but we'll build well," Retallick said.

"I've got no doubt there's going to be a bit of edge among the group.

"I thought they were a lot more physical and confrontational than they were before, we need to sort that out and make sure we're back at it."

Scrumhalf Aaron Smith said Test discard Malakai Fekitoa would have a point to prove after being recalled to the squad to replace the suspended Williams.

"He'll go hard, he'll do his job really well if he gets the opportunity," Smith said of his Highlanders team-mate.

"He'll also probably have a bit of the chip on his shoulder, maybe a bit of no-fear attitude coming in. He know what he has to do."

Fekitoa is expected to compete with Ngani Laumape for a spot alongside Anton Lienert-Brown in midfield.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE