\u201cThere are plenty of other aspects that go to a seven as well. I think where my game is, it\u2019s around the collision, trying to impact that,\u201d Jacobson said. <\/p>\n
Luke Jacobson speaks to media after being named at openside flanker for the All Blacks. Photo \/ Anna Heath<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it\u2019s been around the ball and hunting out that when the opportunity is right, but it\u2019s not selling out the rest of your game to just try and get turnovers. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll play my game. I\u2019ve been picked for a reason, and I\u2019ll keep it at that.\u201d <\/p>\n
Jacobson\u2019s last test came against the Wallabies in late September of 2024, while his last start was on the blindside in the side\u2019s win over Fiji in San Diego earlier that year. <\/p>\n
Earning the start at openside on Saturday night, Jacobson will have made a start in all three positions in the loose trio. <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t find too much difference between loosie roles,\u201d Jacobson said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes there\u2019s a little bit of difference around lineouts and scrummaging at eight, but as a whole I find them pretty similar.\u201d <\/p>\n
Jacobson\u2019s selection at No 7 also sees the All Blacks have some flexibility later in the game when looking to inject Wallace Sititi from the bench. <\/p>\n
Sititi can cover blindside or No 8, while all three starting loose forwards have experience in every position in the back row. <\/p>\n
Dave Rennie speaks to media after naming his team to play against France. Photo \/ Anna Heath<\/p>\n
The All Blacks come into the test after a hurried preparation, with the full squad having limited time together after the Super Rugby Pacific final between the Hurricanes and Chiefs in late June. <\/p>\n
Rennie said there were some players in the squad nursing minor niggles, and selectors decided \u201clate last week\u201d they wouldn\u2019t be included in the matchday squad for France.<\/a> <\/p>\n However, outside of lock Tupou Vaa\u2019i, who is working his way back through concussion protocols, Rennie would not comment on who the other players were, only saying they had \u201ca reasonably fit group to pick from\u201d.<\/p>\n All Blacks team to play France: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Sam Darry, 6. Peter Lakai, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Ardie Savea (c), 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie <\/p>\n Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Billy Proctor, 23. Fehi Fineanganofo <\/p>\n France team to play All Blacks: 1. Jefferson Poirot 2. Maxime Lamothe 3. Demba Bamba 4. Hugo Auradou 5. Tom Staniforth 6. Pierre Bochaton 7. Oscar Jegou 8. Marko Gazzotti 9. Maxime Lucu (c) 10. Matthieu Jalibert 11. Theo Attissogbe 12. Yoram Moefana 13. Fabien Brau-Boirie 14. Damian Penaud 15. Max Spring. <\/p>\n Bench: 16. Barnabe Massa 17. Reda Wardi 18. Regis Montagne 19. Mickael Guillard 20. Killian Tixeront 21. Nolann Le Garrec 22. Antoine Hastoy 23. Nicolas Depoortere <\/p>\n