Rugby: Whitelock to make surprise return against France

Sam Whitelock will make a surprise start for the All Blacks against France in Christchurch tomorrow after the withdrawal of Brodie Retallick who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and is expected to be out of action for up to four weeks.

Whitelock was cleared by medical staff before training today. He hasn't played since breaking a finger for the Crusaders against the Chiefs three weeks ago and wasn't expected to be available until next weekend's third test. He wasn't named in the original matchday squad.

The expectation was Jeremy Thrush would be promoted to starting lock alongside Luke Romano with Steven Luatua providing cover off the bench but the selectors have decided to go with the far greater experience of Whitelock in a match that could wrap up the series against France.

The All Blacks won the first test in Auckland 23-13 last weekend.