What’s happened to 2023 All Blacks Shaun Stevenson and Emoni Narawa?
Tuesday, 24 September 2024
ANALYSIS: Re-wind the clock to nearly 12 months ago.
One-test All Black Shaun Stevenson had just signed a fresh contract with NZ Rugby through to the end of the 2025 season. It was regarded as an excellent outcome for all parties.
While not picked for the All Blacks for their tilt at the World Cup title, Stevenson's decision to stay in New Zealand was proof that he believed he had more to offer - if given the chance.
For the rugby public, memories of him scoring 12 tries in 17 appearances for the Chiefs were fresh. He was regarded as one of the biggest stars of Super Rugby Pacific.
Stevenson’s performance on the right wing in the test against the Wallabies in Dunedin was lukewarm, but he wasn’t the only All Black that didn’t meet expectations during the scratchy win.
The decision to not go walkabout killed speculation that Stevenson could have a dig at rugby league; by re-committing to NZ Rugby, the Chiefs and North Harbour, he was no longer linked to the Redcliffe Dolphins.
“In terms of keeping your options open, like any player, the world’s your oyster,” Stevenson told Stuff in March last year.
'If you want to go give it a crack, you give it a crack, if you want to go over to Japan, you go over to Japan, or if you want to stay in New Zealand and chase the black jersey it’s totally up to you. So we’ll see what happens.’’
There are never any guarantees with the All Blacks, especially when a new coach is appointed. Stevenson knew Scott Robertson was going to replace Ian Foster.
He still signed a fresh deal.
It's proving a hard slog for Stevenson in 2024. And it's getting more difficult.
After scoring just three tries in 12 appearances for the Chiefs, he was left out of the squad for the July tests and was also overlooked for the Rugby Championship.
Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Mark Tele'a and Caleb Clarke were joined by Ruben Love as outside backs for the championship.
Harry Plummer, who played at first five-eighth and second-five in Super Rugby Pacific, was called in as a replacement for injured Blues team-mate Stephen Perofeta. The latter could play at No 10 or fullback.
The news doesn't get any better for Stevenson.
Uncapped outside back Chay Fihaki was invited into the All Blacks this week as cover for midfielder Jordie Barrett, who injured his knee during the win over the Wallabies in Sydney last weekend.
Love has also been ruled out because of a problem with his thigh.
While Fihaki, who plays fullback and wing for the Crusaders and Canterbury, is unlikely to feature in the test against the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday night, it's obvious he's viewed as a player with more to offer than Stevenson.
Another Chiefs player, Emoni Narawa, has also been overlooked by Robertson.
Narawa, who usually features on the wing and has played at centre for Bay of Plenty in the NPC, made two test appearances for the All Blacks last year and was in the World Cup squad; he returned to New Zealand without making an appearance because of a back injury.
Narawa scored eight tries for the Chiefs in 2023. This year he scored 10 tries in 11 appearances.
The decision to include Fihaki in the All Blacks’ camp is grim news for Stevenson and Narawa ahead of the northern tour. Robertson has already proved he’s willing to brush aside players, and usher in fresh blood.
Halfback Finlay Christie was dropped after the tests against England and Fiji in July to allow Noah Hotham, who showed promise at the Crusaders, to come in.
Blues No 8 Hoskins Sotutu was not as fortunate as Christie. Despite being one of the best loosies on either side of the Tasman, Sotutu was ignored from the outset. Rookie Wallace Sititi got a chance, instead.
If Love or Perofeta aren't available for the northern tour, Fihaki will surely feature in conversations about selection.
A lot has changed in 12 months. That won’t be news to Stevenson and Narawa.