Hautapu Sports loose forward Luke Jacobson will start off the bench for New Zealand when the All Blacks meet England in Dunedin.
Cambridge-born Jacobson (27) has 18 New Zealand caps, and is a former national U-20 captain.
The match at Forsyth Barr Stadium kicks off at 7.05pm on Saturday July 6, 2024.
“This was a very tough squad to pick, but we’ve selected the best 23 players to beat England on Saturday,” head coach Scott Robertson said.
“There is a lot of excitement in the group for our first Test, and we’re walking together toward this opportunity to represent New Zealand and our families in Dunedin in front of a sold-out stadium. We’ve prepared well and we’re ready.”
The All Blacks squad has a collective 934 Test caps in total, including new vice captain Ardie Savea (81 caps) and Jordie Barrett (57). An experienced backline includes centre Rieko Ioane (67 caps) and halves Perenara (80) and Damian McKenzie (47).
Jacobson was named captain of the Chiefs for the 2024 Super Pacific Rugby season.
READ MORE: ‘Highly respected’ Luke Jacobson named Chiefs captain for SPR season >>>>
Matchday squad
Number of test caps in brackets
1. Ethan de Groot (22)
2. Codie Taylor (85)
3. Tyrel Lomax (32)
4. Scott Barrett (69) (Captain)
5. Patrick Tuipulotu (43)
6. Samipeni Finau (1)
7. Dalton Papali’i (32)
8. Ardie Savea (81) (Vice Captain)
9. TJ Perenara (80)
10. Damian McKenzie (47)
11. Mark Tele’a (9)
12. Jordie Barrett (57) (Vice Captain)
13. Rieko Ioane (67)
14. Sevu Reece (23)
15. Stephen Perofeta (3)
16. Asafo Aumua (6)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (57)
18. Fletcher Newell (13)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (25)
20. Luke Jacobson (18)
21. Finlay Christie (21)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (70)
23. Beauden Barrett (123)
Scott Hansen media conference
All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen briefed the media after the matchday squad was named:
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