Three Injuries Means Two Replacements for the Boys in Black

Pieces are moving for the All Blacks squad in their upcoming tour. Three injuries for Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb) and Dalton Papali’i (upper hamstring) dealt a blow for the travelling squad. “This is hugely disappointing for Ethan, Luke and Dalton, but we know they will be working on recovering well with a view to making themselves available again as soon as possible,” said coach Scott Robertson. Jacobson started against Fiji in San Diego in July, and has come off the bench for the last three tests of the Rugby Championship. Blackadder was a big part of the test squad in their tense 31-27 loss to Springboks in September, but has recently been sidelined. Papali’i is much the same, having been a starter earlier this year, but more recently has come off the bench. 

Fortunately, as one door closes, another door opens. 21 year old Peter Lakai and 23 year old Josh Lord have received the call up. Peter Lakai, who has played for the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby and Wellington in the NPC, has a potential debut in his sights. Josh Lord, however, debuted against USA in 2021, and has a total of 3 test caps. Despite the sad news, this is an exciting opportunity for the young guns. 

7 members of the All Blacks XV squad will travel with the ABs to Japan as training covers. The forwards consist of Bradley Slater, George Bower, Fabian Holland, Christian Lio-Willie and Oliver Haig, whilst the backs are Harry Plummer and AJ Lam. They’ll then join the XV squad in Ireland, but still have the chance to get the call up to cover the last spot in the ABs. Robertson will assess the injuries prior to the England test before deciding whether or not they need said cover. 

Curious to watch the boys in action? See the test times below: 

October 26th, 6:50pm - All Blacks v Japan, Yokohama 

November 3rd, 4.10am - All Blacks v England, Twickenham

November 9th, 9.10am - All Blacks v Ireland, Dublin 

November 17th, 9.10am - All Blacks v France, Paris 

November 24th, 9.10am - All Blacks v Italy, Turin 

References

Morton, F. (2024, October 16). Peter Lakai called in as three All Blacks ruled out of clash with Japan. RugbyPass. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/peter-lakai-called-in-as-three-all-blacks-ruled-out-of-clash-with-japan/

NZ Herald. (2024, October 16). All Blacks hit with injuries to loose forward trio for Japan test. The New Zealand Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/all-blacks-hit-with-injuries-to-loose-forward-trio-for-japan-test/V4II344XBNHRLM2KS6AED7LLQE/ 

Stuff Sports Reporters. (2024, October 16). All Blacks make changes to squad for Northern Tour. Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350453030/all-blacks-make-changes-squad-northern-tour