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'History is full of that': Ian Foster on the new All Black selections and getting 'tripped up'
By Ben Smith
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has named a new look All Blacks side with three potential debutants as the side prepares to play the Wallabies in Dunedin.
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Chiefs pair Samipeni Finau and Shaun Stevenson have been named in the starting side at blindside flanker and the right wing, while Dallas McLeod has been named on the bench as utility back cover.
The debutants are not the only big changes, with recent debutant Tamaiti Williams getting his first start, Finlay Christie at No 9 and Braydon Ennor at centre to name a few.
“We’ve got a number of guys that have been with us that have trained well,” Foster said of his selections.
“We really believe that with what’s coming around the corner this is a great opportunity to give a few a run.”
The injury to Emoni Narawa ultimately opened the door for Stevenson who has been working hard behind the scenes.
Foster said Stevenson’s ability to impress during preparations over the time in camp was the key to earning a debut for the All Blacks.
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“Emoni’s injury has been unfortunate for him, he’s progressing really well, not back to full training yet, but not far away,” Foster explained.
“That’s given Shaun an opportunity, history is full of that sort of thing when people come in, they train well, adapt well, and he’s got an opportunity. Pretty excited about seeing him.”
“We don’t want to put anyone out there until we are comfortable with how they play and what Test match rugby brings.
“He’s been well tested with us in those regards through training. He’s been with us three or four weeks, like I said he’s gone about his work really, really well.
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“He deserves an opportunity and its a similar thing with Samipeni [Finau]. Same sort of thing.
“Young man came in, earned the right to be here but then you’ve got to earn the right to get on the park. Both have done a great job.”
Despite the Wallabies opening up as rank outsiders with the Australian bookmakers, Foster is not taking the Test lightly, with the focus fully on the job at hand despite the World Cup squad naming next week.
He said the focus remains on the short-term otherwise you risk end up being ‘tripped up’ in Test rugby.
“World Cup squad is named soon but Test matches we’ve got to be at our best,” Foster said.
“We want to keep growing and taking a step forward and making sure this isn’t a wasted opportunity for us to grow our game.
“The minute we take the pressure off and say it doesn’t matter then we’re in trouble.
“That’s the challenge of Test matches, if you look too far ahead you get tripped up anyway.
“I’ve said this from the start, we’re pretty keen on short-term focuses and preparing for a Test match particularly against the Wallabies.”
