Rugby-Whitelock still setting the standards as All Blacks prepare for Italy

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool B - New Zealand v South Africa - International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan - September 21, 2019. New Zealand's Sam Whitelock and team mates after the match. REUTERS/Rebecca Naden/File Photo

LYON, France (Reuters) - New Zealand have flown under the radar at the World Cup since their opening loss to France but Brodie Retallick on Thursday gave a glimpse into a competitive team culture that makes it foolhardy to write off their chances of a fourth title.

Retallick's fellow lock Sam Whitelock has been named among the replacements for Friday's Pool A contest against Italy and will win his 149th cap if he comes off the bench, surpassing the great Richie McCaw as the most-capped All Black.