Jacobson's efforts were particularly highlighted during the opening match against France, marking a significant step in solidifying his position within the team. This opportunity comes as a redeeming moment for Jacobson, who faced a major disappointment during the 2019 Rugby World Cup when an injury prevented his participation after being selected for the squad.
"It’s been awesome; I’m so stoked for him,"
Cane shared on The Aftermatch with Kirsty and Bev. He recalled the disheartening moment when Jacobson had to withdraw from the World Cup squad due to health issues initially suspected as concussion symptoms but later identified as vision-related.
Since that setback, Jacobson's career has been a battle with injuries, limiting his appearances and impacting his consistency with the All Blacks. Despite these challenges, Cane praises Jacobson's resilience and hard-hitting prowess, arguing that in terms of physical contact, no one in New Zealand surpasses him.
"Even back then, at like 22 or 23, he could hit as hard as anyone, so he’s had to fight for his jersey, and credit to him, he has shown a lot of resilience," Cane remarked about Jacobson's journey to securing his spot at 29.
With a focus on a well-balanced loose trio, coaches Rennie and Neil Barnes aim to utilize each player's strengths effectively. The All Blacks' strategy emphasizes moving opposing bodies past the ball during cleanouts, a technique that not only disrupts the defensive line but also speeds up the play. Jacobson’s role in this setup is crucial, as he consistently delivers powerful tackles and effective movement at the breakdowns.
"For a long time I’ve believed that Luke hits harder than anyone in this country, like consistently. He may not have the big one-off tackle that makes a highlight reel, but in terms of consistently stopping guys where he hits them and moving bodies at breakdowns. He’s tough too; he’ll never take a backwards step.”
The developments in Jacobson’s career reflect not only his own growth but also the evolving dynamics within the All Blacks squad as they continue to adapt and strengthen their play style. As the team prepares for further challenges, the contributions of players like Jacobson will be pivotal in their pursuit of victory on the international stage.
