The Prague Post - Jacobson to lead New Zealand for first time against Sharks

The 29-year-old flanker replaces lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who is rested after leading the All Blacks in a tour-opening 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town last Friday.

"Luke is the obvious choice to captain the team against the Sharks. He is highly respected, has a great feel for the game and will lead through his actions," said head coach Dave Rennie.

A couple of replacements, hooker Bradley Slater and loose forward Semisi Ta'eiloa, are set to wear the famed black jersey for the first time at Kings Park stadium.

Slater was not part of the original 44-man tour squad, but flew to South Africa when George Bell had to return home having suffered a calf strain while training.

"Two more players will pull on the All Blacks jersey for the first time against the Sharks," said Rennie.

"On behalf of the squad, I want to congratulate Semisi and Bradley on achieving this very special milestone, and I know their family and friends will be incredibly proud.

"The opening match gave the players a real introduction to the way that South African teams play and the Sharks will be no different.

- 'Excitement' -

"There is a lot of excitement in the group, with the majority of the squad about to play their first game of the tour."

Eight starters against the Sharks, including Jacobson, were in the run-on team that beat Ireland 40-21 in the Nations Championship last month.

They include 25-year-old fly-half Ruben Love, who started all three Tests in the inaugural Nations Championship.

This will be the seventh time the All Blacks face the Sharks, formerly Natal. They won five of the previous tour matches against the Durban club and drew one.

A Sharks squad depleted by the absence of many Springboks on international duty have included 44-year-old former All Blacks back Ma'a Nonu among the replacements.

A centre/winger, two-time Rugby World Cup winner Nonu made 103 Test appearances for New Zealand between 2003 and 2015, scoring 155 points.

The Sharks announced last month that the New Zealander was joining them as a player mentor, but did not say then whether he would continue playing.

After the Sharks, the All Blacks face the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday before the first Test against world champions South Africa in Johannesburg on August 22.

Teams (15-1)

New Zealand: Damian McKenzie; Fehi Fineanganofo, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Ruben Love, Kyle Preston; Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson (capt), Tupou Vaa'i; Sam Darry, Josh Lord; Fletcher Newell, Asafo Aumua, Ethan de Groot

Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Ethan Blackadder, Semisi Ta'eiloa, Cam Roigard, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Emoni Narawa

Coach: Dave Rennie (NZL)

Sharks: Zekhethelo Siyaya; Donovan Don, Jurenzo Julius, Murray Koster, Litelihle Bester; Vusi Moyo, Bradley Davids; Nick Hatton (capt), Manu Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi; Emile van Heerden, Hendre Stassen; Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart, Nemo Roelofse

Replacements: Liam van Wyk, Rambo Kubekha, Simphiwe Ngobese, Vincent Tshituka, Matt Romao, Ivan van Zyl, Luan Giliomee, Ma'a Nonu

Coach: JP Pietersen (RSA)

Referee: Matthew Carley (ENG)

I.Mala--TPP