Rugby
1News

'They're big boys' – Steve Hansen unconcerned by Retallick, Franks injury woes

June 3, 2019

The pair have seen limited minutes in Super Rugby, but the All Blacks coach isn't worrying.

A lack of minutes for All Blacks duo Brodie Retallick and Owen Franks isn't cause for alarm, according to coach Steve Hansen.

With Retallick (wrist, shoulder) and Franks (shoulder) having missed chunks of the current season with injuries, the key All Blacks duo face the prospect of entering this year's Rugby Championship undercooked and struggling for match fitness.

Speaking to media today, though, Hansen said that he isn't concerned with the pair's preparation, so long as they're both fit and ready to go when the Rugby Championship begins next month.

"Both of them are very experienced," Hansen said.

"They know what's required. They're big boys [and] you're not going to not pick them."

Hansen also said the Rugby Championship won't be a priority for the All Blacks this year, utilising matches against the southern hemisphere sides as a practise run for the Rugby World Cup.

"The Rugby Championship this year is not the main prize. The main prize is the Rugby World Cup, followed by the Bledisloe.

"You've just got to use the games you've got wisely."

The All Blacks begin the Rugby Championship on July 27 against South Africa in Wellington.

SHARE ME

More Stories