Hautapu Sports’ loose forward Luke Jacobson says he’s ready to step up for the All Blacks after his recall to the national squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup test with Australia.
The former New Zealand U-20 captain has been recalled to the All Blacks squad after a rib injury to Shannon Frizzell in the 53-3 win against Argentina.
Jacobsen told allblacks.com:
“In the back of my mind, I always wanted to be back in the All Blacks. That’s where all New Zealand rugby players strive to be.
“They’ve been doing it a little tough lately, but I’m sure they’ll be growing closer together as a team, which I think you can see from the outside looking in. I’m looking forward to getting amongst it and offering what I have.”
Jacobson’s recall has followed some impressive performances for Waikato in the Bunnings NPC.
He said All Blacks coach Ian Foster had encouraged him to improve his attacking game by being more of a threat in the wider channels.
He had been doing that with Waikato.
Jacobsen said he was pleased Chiefs captain and team mate Sam Cane had performed well against Argentina.
And of his own chances of taking the field against Australia, Jacobson said: “I’m not expecting anything going in there, and will just be looking to take the opportunity with both hands. If I do manage to get named, I feel like I can go in and give it my best crack with nothing to lose. So that’s what I’ll do.”
Jacobson has played 12 tests after first being selected in 2019.
Injury has disrupted his international career and he was forced to miss the 2019 Rugby World Cup because of delayed onset of concussion.
Waikato v Auckland tickets
Waikato play Auckland in the Bunnings NPC this Friday (September 9).
You can buy tickets online using our club’s special promotional code, which earns our club $1 from every ticket.
Details here:
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