All Blacks make 3 late changes to squad for northern tour

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The All Blacks have made three injury-enforced changes to their squad which is due to leave Thursday to play tests in Japan and Europe.

Backrowers Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson and Dalton Papali’i have all been ruled unfit to travel on the first leg to Japan. Blackadder has a calf injury, Jacobson a broken thumb and Papali’i a hamstring injury.

Uncapped Hurricanes flanker Peter Lakai and Chiefs lock Josh Lord have been called into the squad as replacements.

“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,“ coach Scott Robertson said.

“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.“

In addition, seven members of the All Blacks XV which will play two matches in Ireland next month will join Robertson’s squad as training cover ahead of the test against Japan in Yokohama on Oct. 26.

They are Bradley Slater, George Bower, Fabian Holland, Christian Lio-Willie, Oliver Haig, Harry Plummer and A.J. Lam.

“We will assess the status of Ethan, Luke and Dalton’s injuries prior to traveling to England to determine whether we are going to require that additional injury cover,” Robertson said.

The All Blacks play England on Nov. 3, Ireland on Nov. 9, France on No. 17 and Italy on Nov.24.