The next potential cab off the rank for an All Blacks debut at first five-eighth was confirmed by the All Blacks XV squad selections to be Taranaki playmaker Josh Jacomb.
The 23-year-old joined capped All Black Harry Plummer as the team’s No. 10 selections, a clear statement from All Blacks selectors over the future they envision for the Chiefs young gun.
Jacomb was instrumental in lifting Taranaki to NPC glory in 2023, as the then 22-year-old starred alongside All Black Stephen Perofeta in a lethal one-two punch that ultimately proved too much for any and all opponents.
Perofeta, a 2023 All Blacks XV representative himself, couldn’t speak highly enough of his provincial teammate, seemingly agreeing with the national selectors that Jacomb is an international-level talent.
“Man, I’ve been impressed by him,” Perofeta told media in Auckland before the All Blacks left for Japan, having just rehabbed a calf injury with Taranaki.
“For his age, he shows maturity far beyond his years. Just being back in Taranaki, in camp with them and the way he’s taking control of the team with both hands, the way he speaks and delivers the game and drives the tactical side of things is pretty good.
“I think for him, he can be in this environment if he keeps striving the way he is and keeps growing in his game. So, he’s been impressive and has been a big part of the last couple of years’ success in Taranaki.
“I’ve got a lot of time and respect for him, for his gameplay and his style of play, and the way he’s just grown the last couple of years.”
Jacomb was a notable omission from any Super Rugby Pacific rosters in 2023, signing with the Chiefs’ wider training squad. He soon was called in for a debut though and established himself as Damian McKenzie’s understudy.
Also competing for that title was Josh Ioane, who has since departed for the URC. The door is now open for Jacomb to claim a spot in the matchday 23.
However, with no starting opportunity in the foreseeable future while other Kiwi clubs struggle to lock down future 10s, the question must be asked; is Jacomb in the best situation for his development?
The Crusaders’ succession planning flew out the window when Richie Mo’unga’s heir-apparent Furgus Burke signed with Saracens. The Hurricanes recently lost starting first five Brett Cameron to an ACL injury and while the Highlanders boast a couple of young stars, the oldest is just 22 years of age.
Perofeta is no stranger to being in a logjam of talent, currently competing in the Blues backline with the likes of fellow All Blacks Beauden Barrett and Harry Plummer for selection. He was asked whether a reshuffle of the national playmaker stocks would be worthwhile.
“I haven’t thought about that. It’s probably a little over my head but I could probably speak on my own experience,” he began.
“For me, it was about going to an environment where I could get experience more so towards the game time compared to learning from (others).
“When I first signed with the Blues, I had (talks with) the Chiefs and Hurricanes at the time and as much as I wanted to go and learn from the likes of Aaron Cruden, Damian (McKenzie) at the Chiefs and at the Canes at the time it was Beauden, Jordie was there, I personally chose the experience with dealing it live, footy minutes, just experiencing that at a young age.
“So, for them, I think it’s just personal preference. What do you want to get out of it? Are you willing to wait it out for a couple of years? To be an understudy, to learn from great players, or are you wanting to get some game time?
“For me, I was still able to learn coming up to Auckland from all the 10s that have come through; Piers Francis, Ihaia West when I was first here, Bryn Gatland was here, Otere (Black) ended up coming, Harry Plummer too. So, you still learn and especially through game experience.
“So, for me, it is a personal preference and I do feel for the likes of those players who would be starting in other teams, but the current situation is pretty tough and it’s a stacked roster so it makes it hard.”
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