The All Blacks' loose forward stock has taken a massive hit with a trio of stars ruled out of next week’s test against Japan.
Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb) and Dalton Papali’i (upper hamstring) will not travel with the team on Thursday as a result of injury.
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Peter Lakai and Josh Lord come into the squad, with the All Blacks set to confirm whether a third player will be added after the Japan clash.
"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," All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said in a statement.
"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"
The setbacks are a huge blow for the Kiwis, with all three used by Robertson regularly throughout the 2024 Test season.
Blackadder started the first three games of the Rugby Championship against Argentina and South Africa whilst Jacobson came off the bench in both Bledisloe Cup victories.
Meanwhile, Papali’i started both Tests against England and Argentina, before eventually being replaced by the likes of Wallace Sititi and Sam Cane.
The All Blacks also confirmed seven players in the All Blacks XV squad will be travelling to Japan as training cover.
This includes recent All Blacks debutant Harry Plummer alongside the likes of Chiefs hooker Bradley Slater, prop George Power and Highlanders lock Fabian Holland.
"We will assess the status of Ethan, Luke and Dalton's injuries prior to travelling to England, to determine whether we are going to require that additional injury cover," Robertson added.
All Blacks XV Players added as cover for Japan Test
Forwards (Position / Age / Super Rugby Club / Province) Bradley Slater (Hooker / 26 / Chiefs / Taranaki)
George Bower (Prop / 32 / Crusaders / Otago)
Fabian Holland (Lock / 21 / Highlanders / Otago)
Christian Lio-Willie (Loose forward / 26 / Crusaders / Otago)
Oliver Haig (Loose forward / 22 / Highlanders / Otago)
Backs
Harry Plummer (Flyhalf) / 26 / Blues / Auckland)
AJ Lam (Centre / 26 / Blues / Auckland)
