Jacobson ruled out as Robertson updates injured All Blacks timelines

The All Blacks are now quickly switching their attention to their next Northern Tour game against England at Allianz Stadium next week after beating Japan 64-19 last night in Yokohama. 

Scott Robertson’s side will have their hands full in the coming weeks, playing against England at Allianz Stadium next week, before Ireland in Dublin, France in Paris and Italy in Turin.

The All Blacks have had the luxury of having the All Blacks XV squad to pick and choose from, in order to strengthen their squad in areas they have injuries in.

Ethan Blackadder, Dalton Papali’i and Luke Jacobson were originally named in the Northern Tour 36-man squad, but all three players stayed behind in New Zealand nursing minor injuries. 

Scott Robertson has confirmed this morning that Luke Jacobson won’t play any part in the Northern Tour.

“Luke Jacobson won’t be joining us, with his thumb injury he’s having an operation,” said Robertson to Newstalk ZB’s Elliot Smith. 

For both other loose forward players, they will be reassessed in weeks to come, hoping to be available for the last two Test matches on the tour against France and Italy. 

“Both Ethan Blackadder and Dalton Papali’i are looking on track to be available for Ireland or France.”

With all three of the injured loose forwards unavailable for the England game, Scott Robertson confirmed Peter Lakai and Josh Lord will stay with the team until further information regarding both Ethan Blackadder and Dalton Papali’i is available.

After Peter Lakai’s debut for the All Blacks last night, Robertson was pleased with the 21-year-old’s contribution. 

“He was comfortable out there and just had an immediate impact. First touch, it was a great pass from Peter,” said Robertson.

The All Blacks and Scott Robertson will welcome back vice-captain Jordie Barrett for selection against England next week, Robertson saying he’s trained well in the last week ahead of his return. 

“Look he’s trained well with us, trained at a high level. High intensity, and he’s kicking the ball well and he will be available for selection,” Robertson said about his midfielder.

Barrett will give the All Blacks an added boost in depth for the rest of the Northern Tour games, adding key experience in a position crucial for the All Blacks continuity.

The hotly contested midfield position has created many talking points this year, with many believing Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor has played himself into a starting centre role. Having Barrett back will only add more selection headaches for Robertson, if proved fit enough to start at Allianz Stadium. 

Robertson expects a fired-up England squad, especially after the two earlier fixtures in July, ending in a home series win for the All Blacks over Steve Borthwick’s side.

“It’s been a long time since we played them, a lot can happen in between. But we are playing good footy.

“We’ve been on tour a few times, we’ve experienced some different environments and we’re a lot more connected and understanding of our game, so we were in a good spot.”