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Rugby: All Blacks Call In Reinforcements As Loose Forward Stocks Take A Hit
The All Blacks loose forward depth is set to be tested with the team forced to make three injury-enforced changes to the squad for their end of year tour.
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 and have been ruled out of the All Blacks opening test of the tour against Japan in Tokyo on 26 October.
Hurricanes and Wellington loose forward Peter Lakai, 21, and Chiefs and Taranaki lock Josh Lord, 23, have been called into the squad, while seven members of the All Blacks XV squad will be travelling to Japan as training cover.
The All Blacks kick off their end-of-year tour against Japan before tests against England, Ireland, France and Italy.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said it was unfortunate for the injured trio of Blackadder, Jacobson and Papali'i.
"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.
"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," Robertson said.
The seven All Blacks XV players will join the All Blacks XV squad in Ireland following the Japan test, with the possible exception of one further call-up to cover the 36th spot in the All Blacks squad.
"We will assess the status of Ethan, Luke and Dalton's injuries prior to travelling to England, to determine whether we are going to require that additional injury cover," Robertson said.
The seven members of the All Blacks XV squad travelling to Japan as training cover are:
Forwards (Position / Age / Super Rugby Club / Province)
- Bradley Slater (Hooker / 26 / Chiefs / Taranaki)
- George Bower (Prop / 32 / Crusaders / Otago)
- Fabian Holland (Lock / 21 / Highlanders / Otago)
- Christian Lio-Willie (Loose forward / 26 / Crusaders / Otago)
- Oliver Haig (Loose forward / 22 / Highlanders / Otago)
Backs
- Harry Plummer (First five-eighth / 26 / Blues / Auckland)
- AJ Lam (Mid-fielder / 26 / Blues / Auckland)
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