Why Dave Rennie handed Luke Jacobson the All Blacks captaincy

It was all surprises when Dave Rennie read out the 23 names that would take on the Sharks in Durban, especially for Luke Jacobson, who was selected to captain the All Blacks for the first time.

The Chiefs captain led the New Zealand U20s to their last World Cup title back in 2017, but has never had the chance to lead the All Blacks in his 27 Test caps.

On Wednesday morning NZT, against the Sharks in Durban, Jacobson will lead the All Blacks in the side’s second match on Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour for 2026.

Jacobson has been named in the loose-forward trio alongside Chiefs teammates Wallace Sititi and Tupou Vaa’i, while Josh Lord, Quinn Tupaea, and Damian McKenzie are also in the starting lineup.

Rennie, who announced in Auckland before the Ireland Test match that Jacobson was part of the team’s leadership group, told media in Durban that Jacobson is well respected in the group.

“Yeah, look, he’s a quality man, hugely respected amongst this group and he’s smart,” the All Blacks head coach said.

“Well, Luke, he understands our game. You know, he’ll lead through his actions, and he’s been in great form and a big part of our leadership group, so I’m excited for him.”

Addressing the media after Tuesday’s captain’s run ahead of the Sharks clash, the 29-year-old said Wednesday will be a special occasion.

“Yeah. Look, I think just a huge privilege. Pretty taken aback by it. Certainly didn’t think it would be an opportunity, but look, just really excited,” Jacobson explained.

“Looking forward to getting out there and, to be honest, trying not to think about it too deeply. Probably take the time after the game to just appreciate it.

“We were in the huddle naming the team. I hadn’t got any heads up, so I was a bit of a stunned mullet there. But I mean, cool way to find out.

“Obviously, something that I just got to take with both hands, and yeah, just really humbled.”

When asked about the looming rainy weather in Durban, Jacobson said they must adjust accordingly and focus on their individual skillsets.

“Just how we wanted it. There’s a few props out there that are pretty happy about it, but no, I think it’s an awesome challenge and an awesome opportunity for us to really dial in on maybe some things that didn’t go as well for us in the last game.

“It’s just a huge onus on that individual skill set. You own your own skill, take your depth because you’ve got less time in the rain.

“Defence gets up higher, so it’s just taking your depth, owning your individual skill set, and backing yourself. I mean, we’re professional athletes. This is what we train for. We back ourselves to be able to perform under any conditions.”