Back-row Luke Jacobson is looking to make the most of his international return after he was recalled to the All Blacks squad for their Rugby Championship encounter against the Wallabies in Melbourne on September 15.
Since making his Test debut in 2019, Jacobson has played sporadically for his country and made 12 Test appearances to date.
Rugby World Cup setback
He was named in New Zealand‘s squad for the Rugby World Cup in 2019 but was forced to withdraw from that tournament after suffering a delayed onset of concussion.
He was not named in the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship squad earlier this year and makes his return as a replacement for Shannon Frizell, who is sidelined with a rib injury from Saturday’s 53-3 victory against Argentina in Hamilton.
“It was very disappointing missing out first up, but it’s been enjoyable playing for Waikato,” said Jacobson.
“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.
“You can say it’s a high-pressure [environment], but it’s where every New Zealand rugby player wants to be, and that’s one of the things that comes with it, unfortunately, and you just take it on the chin.”
The 25-year-old believes his defensive prowess is the reason which initially earned him selection at Test level. However, despite his concussion issues, Jacobson is confident he can still make an impact in that department and is relishing his return to the Test arena.
When he missed out on selection earlier this year, All Blacks head coach Ian Foster told Jacobson to improve on attack and he has been doing just that for Waikato, who are one of the leading teams in the NPC.
“I’m not expecting anything going in there, and will just be looking to take the opportunity with both hands,” said Jacobson. “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.”
Familiar face
Jacobson is looking forward to working with new forwards coach Jason Ryan, who was part of the New Zealand U20 coaching staff when Jacobson captained the team in 2017.
He is also delighted that his Chiefs captain and back-row partner Sam Cane shone for the All Blacks in their victory at the weekend.
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“He’s a bloody good player in my eyes and one of my role models coming in at the Chiefs and hopefully long may it last which I’m sure it will,” said Jacobson.