Three players will not participate in the All Blacks‘ upcoming test against Japan, which will be a blow to their already thin front line. Due to injuries, Dalton Papali’i (upper hamstring), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb), and Ethan Blackadder (calf) will not be able to travel with the team on Thursday.
This has given 21-year-old loose forward Peter Lakai of the Hurricanes and 23-year-old lock Josh Lord of the Chiefs and Taranaki an opportunity to join the team. Lakai might make his test debut in Yokohama on Saturday.
While Blackadder and Papali’i began tests earlier in the season, they fell behind Wallace Sititi and Sam Cane in recent teams. Jacobson has started the previous three Rugby Championship matches and has come off the bench against Fiji in San Diego.
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All Blacks loose forward Ethan Blackadder
Three players will miss the first Test due to injury, which is troubling for the All Blacks ahead of their tour to Japan and Europe. Dalton Papali’i, Luke Jacobson, and Ethan Blackadder won’t be able to travel with the team.
However, this creates openings for other players. Josh’s return to the team and Peter Lakai’s opportunity to don the All Black jersey are exciting.
Before departing for England, Robertson stated, We will evaluate the condition of Ethan, Luke, and Dalton’s injuries to ascertain whether we are going to need that additional injury cover.”
Seven players of the New Zealand XV team will also accompany the All Blacks to Japan for training. With the potential exception of one more call-up to fill the 36th position in the NZ squad, these players will then go to Ireland to play for the All Blacks XV.
All Blacks tests 2024
- October 26, 6.50pm – New Zealand v Japan, Yokohama
- November 3, 4.10am – New Zealand v England, Twickenham
- November 9, 9.10am – New Zealand v Ireland, Dublin
- November 17, 9.10am – New Zealand v France, Paris
- November 24, 9.10am – New Zealand v Italy, Turin