Wellington (AFP) - Veteran lock Brodie Retallick said on Monday that he came through unscathed from the first test of his broken cheekbone and is primed to help rescue the All Blacks.
New Zealand suffered a historic home defeat to Argentina on Saturday and must bounce back when they meet again this weekend in Hamilton to avert a fresh crisis.
The 31-year-old Retallick had his cheekbone smashed in a defeat to Ireland last month, but made his comeback on Saturday by playing 55 minutes for his regional side Hawke's Bay.
"The body is good and the cheekbone came through, it's still in one piece," Retallick, who has played 95 Tests, told reporters at the All Blacks' hotel.
"I got through 55-odd minutes on Saturday.
"Whether that's enough for the coaches to now pick me here or go back to Hawke's Bay, I'm not sure."
Retallick watched on television as the All Blacks' erratic season continued when they lost 25-18 to Argentina in Christchurch, New Zealand's first home defeat to the Pumas.
A fourth defeat in six games piled fresh pressure on Ian Foster and the All Blacks coach could recall Retallick to beef up the forwards, with Scott Barrett moving from lock to the back row.
Retallick's aerial presence would also boost an All Blacks line-out which lost three of their last four line-outs against Argentina.
"Obviously you feel for the boys," said Retallick.
"No one wants to lose.No one enjoys it.
"That's the challenge of Test rugby.There are always fine margins."
The All Blacks are now ranked fifth in the world, an unwelcome return to their lowest spot since the rankings began in 2003.
