Whitelock still setting the standards as All Blacks prepare for Italy

LYON, France: 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.

Asked what influence his long-standing partner in the All Blacks engine-room has had on his own career, Retallick said it had all been about matching Whitelock's fierce drive to be the very best.

"He was the number one lock and had been established in the All Blacks before I was," Retallick told reporters.

"It was the competition to keep getting better and reach his level. He has done that for so long, which is also a massive achievement.

"Even this week, even though he was named on the bench, he was still pushing everyone around the field and trying to out-do everyone.

"Playing a lot of test matches with him has been special but the competitiveness he has throughout the training week, week-in week-out, has been the biggest benefit."

Coach Ian Foster said on Wednesday that any celebration of the twice World Cup winner's milestone would have to wait until after the Italy match.

Retallick, who made his return from a serious knee injury against France, said the All Blacks would be focusing on their own game rather than worrying too much about what the improving Italians would bring to the contest.

"You can't be distracted by what the Italians may or may not bring. We've obviously previewed them and understand a bit of their structure and how they want