Rugby World Cup 2019: Brodie Retallick set for All Blacks quarter-final start against Ireland

The All Blacks are expected to gamble on lock Brodie Retallick in the starting side for their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Ireland on Saturday. 

After nearly three months on the sideline, Retallick returned from a dislocated shoulder to play 30 minutes in the All Blacks' 71-9 win over Namibia. 

Coach Steve Hansen hoped the 28-year-old would get through 60 minutes against Italy, but that match was called off due to Typhoon Hagibis. 

Rugby World Cup 2019: Brodie Retallick set for All Blacks quarter-final start against Ireland

Newshub's John Day expects Retallick to play an hour against the Irish. 

"You always [go with] Retallick," he told The AM Show. "If you can Retallick, you Retallick every time, he's that good. 

"I know he's only played 30 minutes back from a dislocated shoulder, but the coaches always train these guys hard. 

"I'd say Retallick with [Sam] Whitelock, with Scott Barrett off the bench." 

Day expects there to be no massive surprises in the starting side, but questions still remain over the centre combination. 

"You have to pick Anton Liernet-Brown because he's playing so well, but who the other one is remains a mystery. 

"Jack Goodhue has just come back from a hamstring injury and only played against in minnows, but that looks like the option they'll go for." 

Day is predicting Sonny Bill Williams will be named off the bench, meaning Crotty is the odd man out. 

"Crotty is the best defender. If you look at his Super Rugby stats, he doesn't miss a tackle, and his communication is amazing. 

"But Goodhue is more of an attacking threat compared to Crotty. He' got a fantastic offload to go with that mullet. 

"Liernet-Brown has been fantastic at 12 this year, and I know it was only against Namibia, but he was on fire and played with Goodhue. 

"That was only their second time playing together. The first time was in Peth, and that didn't go so well."  

Essential Guide to 2019 Rugby World Cup

Everything you need to know about rugby and the World Cup...

The ninth Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 20 in Japan - the first time it has been hosted in Asia.

Join us for live updates of all Rugby World Cup quarter-finals next weekend.

Newshub.