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24-year-old Jacobson set for sixth season with Waikato following Japanese stint
By Online Editors
Waikato Mooloo Mitch Jacobson bleeds red, yellow and red blood and has been a part of their Mitre 10 Cup squad since 2015.
Te Awamutu born Jacobson, 24, has been playing club rugby for his local Hautapu team after a stint in Japan with Super Rugby side the Sunwolves, having to return to New Zealand due to Covid-19.
This Saturday sees his team take on a strong ?torohanga team in the final of Waikato Premier rugby after overcoming Melville 24-14 in the semifinal.
"It's been really good. I missed three games due to a niggle but I'm getting back into it and enjoying running around with the lads at Hautapu," said Jacobson.
With the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup due to start on September 11, Jacobson will be raring to go.
"The best thing is that I have always aspired to be a part of the Waikato team, obviously growing up here and always supporting them it was a proud moment getting my first game."
His passion for Waikato rugby has been a part of his life for many years.
"From being a young fella where I was quite fanatical about Waikato and Chiefs rugby, doing all the classic things like collecting posters and going to games. I have awesome memories of Possum (Warren Allen) with his chainsaw and the lolly scrambles after the matches."
This season should see Jacobson earn his half-century of caps for the province as he already has 46 to his name.
So far, his highlight is winning the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup championship along with a couple of Ranfurly Shield wins.
Jacobson had played three Super Rugby games for the Chiefs in 2019 before signing with the Sunwolves in 2020.
"I think having the experience of getting to start a number of Super Rugby matches was big for my confidence. Getting to mix it with teams like the Chiefs and Crusaders was really enjoyable," he said.
"I think it's pretty hard to come back with new ideas to New Zealand when New Zealand is one of the more innovative countries in the world when it comes to rugby. It was an awesome experience though and one I am stoked that I was a part of it."
As well as younger brother Luke, Jacobson will play alongside the likes of former All Blacks Adam Thomson and Liam Messam as well as Fijian winger Patrick Osborne at Waikato this year.
Older brother Kane is contracted for the Northland Taniwha once again - all three brothers play in the loose forward positions.
"Luke and I have played a lot of footy together and I always enjoy running out with him. It doesn't change things too much in terms of, I'm not looking to give him the ball or vice versa just because we are brothers, but it's always enjoyable running around with family."
Waikato's first game is against Wellington at Hamilton's FMG Stadium on Saturday, September 12. Kick-off is at 2.05pm.
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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