Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Shaun Stevenson reveals feedback he received from All Blacks coaches

Shaun Stevenson at All Blacks training. Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images

Not many players have played as well at club level as Shaun Stevenson has in 2023. The Chiefs fullback was influential in his team’s Super Rugby Pacific season where they only lost two games.

ADVERTISEMENT

An uproar was the inevitable reaction to Stevenon’s initial omission from the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad, with the utility back only making the cut as an injury reserve.

It wasn’t the first time the 26-year-old had been overlooked either, having initially missed selection for the All Blacks XV in 2022 despite damaging form for the Maori All Blacks and North Harbour in the NPC.

Video Spacer
Video Spacer

Rumours around Stevenson’s future began to circulate with no clear explanation for the omission offered and reports of an NRL deal on the table.

But Stevenson got his chance in the All Blacks XV jersey in the end and was an unmistakable standout. His vision and running game translated exceptionally to the international stage and his monstrous kicking game was a huge asset in the territorial battle.

Those strengths promised to light up the All Blacks backline at the World Cup but Ian Foster and his selectors weren’t convinced the Chiefs fullback was the right man for the job.

The initial feedback on his skillset was a need for improvement on the defensive side of the ball. While the coach claimed to see improvement in that area throughout Stevenson’s time in camp, it wasn’t enough to make the World Cup squad.

ADVERTISEMENT

The World Cup dream may not be over just yet, Stevenson is most likely the next man up if injuries strike the All Blacks camp. But in the meantime, Stevenson has been addressing the coaching team’s feedback.

“You always have work ons in your game,” he told The Morning Shift. “Your game’s never perfect. There’s a few things, it’s quite technical in a way.

“When there’s rucks happening and stuff like that, they’re just telling me to get in a better position, better body position because sometimes I might not look like I’m strong enough in a position.

“And then I guess it’s like, work on the ground. So, if I’m getting tackled, how am I getting the ball back as fast as possible in terms of snapping it back or not getting stuck in a position where teams can get on the ball.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Related

There’s no denying the talent of the man, the highlights reel is evidence of the world-class skills Stevenson possesses, but the dark arts of rugby is an area you have to nail to feature at the top level.

The chance to don the black jersey finally came in the second Bledisloe test, and Stevenson celebrated his debut with a try in the corner.

The greatest achievement of his career was followed just two days later by the World Cup squad announcement, Stevenson’s name was not called.

“Obviously there’s parts of my game like that that does need to be worked on,” he added. “I guess it’s just tough because obviously it’s micro-skills and for whatever reason, it’s just the way it goes. I’m not selecting so it’s not up to me.

“That’s what I tried to go into the All Black camp (and do), we sat down, (they said) ‘this is what we want you to work on, get along with these coaches’ and that’s what I felt like i did over the last four weeks when I was in there, was just going to try and nail the things that they’ve told me.

“Because they were like ‘oh you can play footy, but there’s other things that you need, your micro-skills you need to work on’.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Boks Office | Episode 35 | Six Nations Round 2 Review

O2 Inside Line: This Rose | Episode 3 | France Week

Second round of the Men's Six Nations | Whistle Watch

Harlequins vs Bristol Bears | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Saitama Wildknights | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Watch now: Lomu - The Lost Tapes

The Dupont Ploy: How France went from underdogs to Olympic gods | The Report

Former rugby player is truly an NFL superstar | Walk the Talk | Jordan Mailata

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

8 Comments
C
Cooper 544 days ago

When in All Blacks?

K
Kenneth 544 days ago

Yet the All Blacks will keep making the same mistakes with the same players

D
Derek 545 days ago

There is no doubting Stevensons ability and potential. For every player who makes the All Blacks there will be one or two others that were just as good but unlucky. For those of you writing Clarke off, he might surprise you as he gets back to full fitness. He will also be an important impact player/game changer off the bench late in games.

G
G 545 days ago

Wow - Clarke's list must be very long then...micro and macro skills are both lacking

J
Jmann 545 days ago

I'd have picked him over Clarke. But I guess if they're after a reserve player it makes sense to take someone deep in the team culture.

J
Jen 545 days ago

Really hope Razor gives this guy a chance. It’s ridic. (And that’s my opinion so no ‘blah blah defence’ conversations will be entered into).

Load More Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

S
Stacy K Davis 1 hour ago
One rule for Europe's copycats, another for the Springboks

INFINITE DIGITAL RECOVER - Best Crypto Recovery Service

Infinite Digital Recovery, a leading expert in cryptocurrency recovery services, is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Best Crypto Recovery Service. This groundbreaking initiative aims to assist individuals who have fallen victim to cryptocurrency scams and theft, facilitating the recovery of lost or stolen digital assets.


The Rise of Crypto Scams

In recent years, the surge in cryptocurrency popularity has led to a significant increase in scams and fraudulent activities. This alarming trend has devastated numerous individuals, seeking justice and recovery solutions.


Comprehensive Recovery Solutions

Infinite Digital Recovery' Best Crypto Recovery Service employs a multifaceted approach, combining:


1. Extensive research

2. Legal expertise

3. Strategic partnerships with authorities and financial institutions


The company's team of experienced professionals provides personalized recovery solutions tailored to each unique case.


Empowering Victims

"Our mission is to empower individuals affected by crypto scams," stated a spokesperson for Infinite Digital Recovery. We understand the emotional and financial toll these incidents take on victims. Our Best Crypto Recovery Service offers hope and a clear path to recovering lost assets.


Accessing the Service

Victims of cryptocurrency scams can initiate the recovery process by reaching out via

Email:  infinitedigitalrecovery@techie.com

WH4TS4PP: +1 323 554 3592

TELEGRAM: https://t.me/infinitedigitalrecovery


The company conducts thorough case assessments and guides the recovery journey.


A Trusted Ally

In a digital landscape where security is paramount, INFINITE DIGITAL RECOVERY is a trusted ally for those navigating cryptocurrency recovery complexities. The launch of the Best Crypto Recovery Service marks a significant milestone in combating fraud and provides reassurance that help is available.


About Infinite Digital Recovery

Infinite Digital Recovery is a premier recovery service that assists individuals affected by cryptocurrency scams and theft. With integrity and transparency at its core, the company provides effective solutions for recovering lost or stolen assets, empowering victims to regain control and confidence in their financial futures.

26 Go to comments
k
kumar supriya 4 hours ago
Waratahs plotting unprecedented 29-season Super Rugby first in 2025

MY NAME IS SUPRIYA KUMAR FROM INDIA PLEASE FIND TIME TO READ THIS CAREFULLY.              AS WE ALL KNOW INDIA IS NUMBER ONE IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF MAGIC SO DO NOT IGNORE THIS. BE CAREFUL HERE, NOBODY CAN HELP YOU FROM AFRICA OR EVEN SUGGEST HOW YOU CAN GET YOUR EX OR LOVE BACK, ANY TESTIMONIES OF MOST SPELL CASTER FROM AFRICA HERE MUST BE IGNORED, BECAUSE MOST OF THEM ARE SCAM I MEAN REAL SCAM AND FROM AFRICA WHICH I WAS A VICTIM AND I GOT RIPPED OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BECAUSE I WAS SO ANXIOUS TO GET MY HUSBAND JOHN BACK AFTER HE LEFT ME FOR OVER 2YEARS WITH MY 3YEARS OLD SON JERRY,I HAVE APPLIED TO 7 DIFFERENT SPELL CASTER HERE I MET ON THIS BLOG AND ALL TO NO AVAIL THEY ALL ASK FOR SAME THING SEND YOUR NAME YOUR EX NAME ADDRESS AND PICTURE PHONE NUMBER ETC WHICH I DID OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND MOST OF THEM WERE FROM AFRICA, I WAS SO CONFUSED AND I WAS ALWAYS SICK BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND I WAS SO DESPERATE TO HAVE JOHN BACK TO ME I LOVE HIM SO MUCH AND COULD DIE FOR HIM. UNTIL A FRIEND TOLD ME ABOUT THE TEMPLE OF DREAMS THE GREATEST SPELL TEMPLE, (templeofdreams1@gmail.com) TEMPLE OF BLACK AND WHITE (GOOD AND EVIL) IN INDIA, AND I DECIDED TO SEND A MAIL TO THE TEMPLE. THE SECRETARY TOLD ME THAT ALL MY PROBLEM ARE OVER SINCE I HAVE DECIDED TO CONTACT INDIA FOR HELP, HE TOLD ME TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN ME AND MY EX HUSBAND JOHN AND I DID, I TOLD HIM ALL THAT HAPPENED FROM THE BEGINNING. AND HE SAID TO ME MY CHILD WHAT YOU JUST EXPLAINED TO ME NOW IS A LITTLE PROBLEM TO HANDLE COMPARE TO SERIOUS PROBLEMS THE TEMPLE HAS HANDLED, I WAS SO SHOCKED AND I SAID TO MY SELF WHAT PROBLEM COULD BE MORE SERIOUS THAN THIS. HE TOLD ME WHAT I NEEDED TO DO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT WHAT HE SAID LOOK SIMILAR TO WHAT I HAVE HEARD IN THE PAST(THAT I WAS TO PAY FOR THE ITEMS NEEDED), I WAS HAVING DOUBT ABOUT IT BECAUSE OF PAST EXPERIENCE, BUT I DECIDED TO TRY SINCE THE TEMPLE IS LOCATED IN INDIA (ASIA) AND NOT AFRICA (NIGERIA AND SOUTH AFRICA) THEY COULD BE REAL AND DIFFERENT. SO I GAVE THEM 50% OF MY TRUST. THIS WAS LIKE A MAGIC AND DREAM COME TRUE TO ME, AFTER TWO DAYS WHEN THE SPELL HAS BEEN CASTEED, JOHN BEEPED MY PHONE AT ABOUT 9:PM I COULD NOT SLEEP THAT NIGHT BECAUSE I REALLY LOVE JOHN AND WANT HIM BACK. BY 7:AM THE NEXT MORNING HE GAVE ME ANOTHER  MISSED CALL I DECIDED NOT TO CALL BACK AS I WAS STILL ON SHOCK,   AT ABOUT 10:AM THAT MORNING HE CALLED AND I PICKED HE SAID CAN WE SEE AFTER WORK TODAY I SAID YES SO HE ENDED THE CALL IMMEDIATELY I GOT OFF WORK HE CALLED ME AND TOLD ME WERE TO MEET HIM, I WAS STILL ON SHOCK, BEHOLD WHEN I GOT THERE I SAW JOHN CRYING WITH TEARS ALL OVER HIS EYES, AND HE SAID TO ME MY WIFE, I AM SO SORRY IMMEDIATELY I HUGGED HIM AND KISSED HIM WHICH I HAVE MISSED ALL THIS YEARS. ALL THANK TO TEMPLE OF DREAMS. IF YOU ARE A MAN OR A WOMAN READING THIS AND YOU ARE PASSING THROUGH SIMILAR PROBLEMS LIKE MINE, DO NOT FAIL TO CONTACT THIS GREAT TEMPLE. HE IS REALLY INDEED A REAL SPELL CASTER.           THE WORST OF ALL IS THAT I DON’T KNOW THE PARTICULAR DOCTOR THAT HELPED ME AS I WAS TOLD THAT THERE ARE MORE THAN 300 SPELL CASTERS WORKING IN THE TEMPLE, UNLIKE THE SINGLE SCAM DOCTORS IN AFRICA. I AM NO LONGER AFRAID OF THE SPELL CASTERS IN AFRICA BECAUSE THE TEMPLE OF DREAMS ASSURED AND GAVE ME HUNDRED PERCENT PROTECTION AND ALSO HELPED ME RECOVER 50% OF MY MONEY THAT I PAYED TO SCAMS FROM AFRICA SOME SERVICES RENDERED IN THE TEMPLE OF DREAMS (1) If you want your ex back. (2) To cure HIV/AID or related illness (3) You want to be promoted in your office. (4) You want women/men to run after you. (5) If you want a child. (6) Are you a contractor and you want to win contract (7) You want to tie your husband/wife to be yours forever. (8) If you need help spiritually. (9) How you been scammed and you want to recover you lost money.     (10)Stop Divorce (11)Invoking of Money Ritual (12)To verify if your online lover is real (13)To verify if your online loan is real (14)To be very brilliant (15)If you are looking for a good job (16)If you are old and want to look young (17) If you want to be free from threats of spell caster in AFRICA And many more.. Email... templeofdreams1@gmail.com  

2 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ ‘Golden boy of English rugby may be destined to be frustrated super-sub' ‘Golden boy of English rugby may be destined to be frustrated super-sub'
Search