Jacobson sustained a fractured metacarpal against the Blues on Saturday night. The rehabilitation period is approximately five to six weeks, ultimately ruling him out of the domestic competition.
The 2-Test All Black has had limited game time since making his Chiefs debut in 2018. He took a knock to the head at the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season and made limited appearances last year. Jacobson was inititally selected in the All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad and travelled to Japan, but was forced to return home with ongoing concussion symptoms before the tournament kicked off.
On the Highlanders front, assistant coach Mark Hammett confirmed Nehe Milner-Skudder won’t be available this week and it’s still unlikely Josh Ioane will be back for their clash with the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday night.
Midfielder Ngane Punivai is back however, and is available for selection.
Hammett also confirmed he will be finishing up with the Highlanders at the conclusion of this season, saying it was the right time for him and his family to move on.
“I let Aaron [Mauger] and Roger [Clark] know in November. There has been no decisions based around what I’m going to do. I love coaching and mentoring, so will do something but a decision hasn’t been made yet.
“I have loved it and loved the environment. It’s probably the easiest city to fit into, a small close knit community that really gets behind you.”
The Crusaders are awaiting scan results on skipper Scott Barrett’s injured foot. Barrett was ruled out of the Crusaders 39-25 victory over the Hurricanes on Sunday after sustaining the a plantar fascia injury at an internal game last week.
Barrett is having a second scan this week to find out his fate.
Get your tickets HERE to Saturday’s clash between the Blues and Highlanders at Eden Park and Sunday’s match up in Christchurch between the Crusaders and Chiefs.