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Lakai called into All Blacks squad after loose forward trio succumb to injury
SENZ • October 16th, 2024 11:51 am
The All Blacks will be without a trio of loose forwards for at least the first stop of their annual northern tour in Japan.
Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb) and Dalton Papali'i (upper hamstring) will not be available to travel with the squad on Thursday due to injury.
That has opened the door for Hurricanes standout Peter Lakai and Chiefs lock Josh Lord to join the squad.
Seven players from the All Blacks XV scheduled to travel to Ireland and France will also be brought in as injury cover for the match in Yokohama.
In the forwards department; Chiefs hooker Bradley Slater, Crusaders prop George Bower, Highlanders lock Fabian Holland, Crusaders loose forward Christian Lio-Willie, Highlanders loose forward Oliver Haig, while first-five Harry Plummer and midfielder AJ Lam from the Blues cover the backs.
Those players will then join the All Blacks XV squad in Ireland, with potentially one further call-up to join the All Blacks for their trip to Europe.
Coach Scott Robertson says Blackadder, Jacobson, and Papali'i will be assessed prior to departure to England to determine if they require that additional injury cover.
"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," Robertson said.
"This opens up opportunities for some other players though. We are excited to be welcoming Josh back into the group and giving Peter Lakai his chance to wear the All Blacks jersey."
The All Blacks play their opening match of their tour against Japan on October 26.
