1
Stevenson on All Black radar but Foster name drops another potential Chiefs' bolter
By Kim Ekin
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed that the selectors are ‘looking hard’ at outside back options across Super Rugby Pacific.
ADVERTISEMENT
A season-ending ACL injury to Crusaders winger Sevu Reece has the All Blacks looking at a potential replacement on the right wing.
Foster confirmed in a wide-ranging interview with Stuff.co.nz that Chiefs’ fullback Shaun Stevenson is being considered.
Super Rugby’s top try scorer featured in the No 14 jersey on Friday night against the Fijian Drua and scored his eighth of the season.
The All Black head coach also dropped another surprise name in contention, Stevenson’s teammate at the Chiefs.
“We’re always open to people coming in late,” Foster told Stuff.co.nz.
“We probably saw that a little bit with Mark Telea on the end-of-year tour.
“There is still scope for that. The outside backs we’re really interested in. There are people that we’re looking at hard.
“You’ve got the likes of Sean Stevenson, who has played well. I’ve been impressed with Emoni Narawa, I think he’s played well.
“There’s some guys sending in some good messages and they’ve just to carry on doing that.
“They’ve just got to keep showing that they’re really keen to make the next step.”
Emoni Narawa is a shock candidate who has featured five times for the Chiefs this season and scored four tries, including a double against his old club the Blues.
The 23-year-old debuted for the Blues in 2020 but after just seven apperances over two seasons made the transfer south to the Chiefs.
ADVERTISEMENT
Despite the loss of Reece, the All Blacks have a number of options available.
Blues right wing Mark Telea made his debut against Scotland and scored a double in his first Test start.
He has been one of Super Rugby Pacific’s most dangerous runners, currently second on the list of top line breaks with 12 behind teammate Caleb Clarke who has 16.
Crusaders fullback Will Jordan is expected to return to action soon and has been used almost exclusively on the right wing with the All Blacks. He has a blistering scoring record with 21 tries in 21 Tests.
