Frizell joins injured list as All Blacks depart for Rugby World Cup

All Blacks coach Ian Foster said loose forward Shannon Frizell has joined their injured list as the New Zealand squad departed for the Rugby World Cup on Friday.

Speaking to reporters at Auckland airport before flying to Europe, Foster said Frizell had tweaked a hamstring during training.

The flanker is on a "similar time frame" to lock Brodie Retallick, who is expected to miss the All Blacks' next two games with a knee injury, Foster said.

READ | 'Absolutely disgusting': Ireland coach Farrell slams 'circus' over son Owen's rescinded red card

New Zealand play a final tune-up game against South Africa in London next Friday, then face hosts France in the World Cup's opening game on 8 September.

Foster said the dual injuries "are a bit niggly for us" but is confident in the cover for Frizell and Retallick against South Africa.

"We'll have to re-assess and see what happens after that Test."

The All Blacks boss said they had learnt from the fall-out surrounding Owen Farrell's red card.

The England flyhalf could miss the start of the World Cup after governing body World Rugby announced it would appeal the controversial decision to overturn Farrell's red card for a high tackle in a warm-up win over Wales.

"The whole alignment between refereeing and judiciary is something we are all conscious of going into a World Cup," said Foster.

"The only way we can control that process is by making sure we get our techniques right.

"You never want to leave your destiny in the hands of the judiciary."

New Zealand head to France bidding to win the World Cup for a fourth time, having won all four games so far this year including a 35-20 home win over reigning world champions South Africa last month.

Foster said he would play his strongest available team