Rugby World Cup 2019: Brodie Retallick returns to New Zealand starting line-up for Ireland quarter-final

Anton Lienert-Brown and Jack Goodhue are preferred to Sonny Bill Williams in the centres

Brodie Retallick returns to the New Zealand starting line-up for their Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash against Ireland.

The lock has played just 30 minutes at the tournament after recovering from a dislocated shoulder.

Steve Hansen keeps faith with his dual playmaker, dual openside flanker system, with Beauden Barrett again starting at full-back and Ardie Savea wearing the six jersey.

“There’s a lot of energy and excitement in the team which is normal for this stage of the tournament where the winner takes all. It will add extra pressure to both sides,” Hansen said of his selection.

“We feel we’ve selected a great mixture of talent in our 23, who are in great form, and the squad includes many players who have a lot of Rugby World Cup knockout match experience. Together with our experienced management team, that brings a deep understanding of what is needed to get the job done.

“Past Rugby World Cup history is important because of the positive or negative experiences you’ve had. But ultimately it is what happens on the day that counts.”

Codie Taylor gets the nod over Dane Coles at hooker, joining Joe Moody and Nepo Laulala in the front row.

The return of Retallick sees him paired with familiar partner Sam Whitelock, with the impressive Scott Barrett only on the bench.

Savea is again accommodated on the blindside, with Kieran Read back into the side and Sam Cane giving the All Blacks two fetchers in the back row.

Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga start at scrum-half and fly-half.

The hotly contested midfield battle is won by Anton Lienert-Brown and Jack Goodhue, who start at second five-eighth and centre, with Sonny Bill Williams held in reserve.

There is no place out wide for Rieko Ioane, with George Bridge and Sevu Reece continuing on the wings.

Hansen confirmed that all 31 members of his World Cup squad were fit and available for the game.

“This is a great reflection on the players themselves and the staff who have done a great job getting them through the Pool Play phase of the tournament. We are very happy where the team is at at this stage and it feels like the team is right where it needs to be for what will be a physical and fiercely-fought encounter.

Hansen concluded: “On behalf of the team, we’d like to thank all our families and supporters in New Zealand, around the world and here in Japan, particularly those who have made the effort to travel.

Brodie Retallick returns to the All Blacks’ starting line-up for the quarter-final against Ireland` (Getty)

“The team has really appreciated the many messages we have received and we look forward to representing you all proudly on Saturday.”

New Zealand have lost just twice to Ireland in 31 previous meetings.

However both of those defeats came during this World Cup cycle, with Joe Schmidt’s side producing a triumph in Chicago in 2016 and a fine victory in Dublin last November – the last time the two sides met.

New Zealand team to play Ireland at Tokyo Stadium (Saturday October 19, 11.15am BST)

1: Joe Moody (43 caps)

2: Codie Taylor (48)

3: Nepo Laulala (23)

4: Brodie Retallick (78)

5: Samuel Whitelock (115)

6: Ardie Savea (42)

7: Sam Cane (65)

8: Kieran Read – captain (124)

9: Aaron Smith (89)

10: Richie Mo’unga (14)

11: George Bridge (7)

12: Anton Lienert-Brown (40)

13: Jack Goodhue (11)

14: Sevu Reece (5)

15: Beauden Barrett (80)

Replacements

16: Dane Coles (66)

17: Ofa Tuungafasi (33)

18: Angus Ta’avao (11)

19: Scott Barrett (33)

20: Matt Todd (23)

21: TJ Perenara (62)

22: Sonny Bill Williams (55)

23: Jordie Barrett (14)