New Zealand lock Brodie Retallick has admitted that he "never thought" he would be playing for the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup.

The 24-year-old watched the 2011 final at a fire station as the host nation beat France in Auckland to win the William Webb Ellis Cup for a second time.

However, Retallick has revealed that the idea of representing his country had never crossed his mind.

"I never thought four years ago watching the 2011 final that I could be here at this point, not at all," he told reporters.

"I wasn't even playing Super Rugby then so it hadn't even crossed my mind.

"Hopefully we can push on but we need to get our game right and build well so we can be ready [for South Africa]."

Retallick scored New Zealand's first try in their 62-13 win over France, which has set up a semi-final clash with the Springboks.