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'I don't want to go out there and change': Shaun Stevenson's plan for his All Blacks debut
By Ben Smith
Shaun Stevenson is set to become an All Black after being named in the No 14 jersey to face the Wallabies on Saturday afternoon but the Chiefs flyer isn’t going to change his approach.
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After lighting up Super Rugby Pacific this season the prolific try-scorer nicknamed ‘Shooter’ after try-scoring celebrations plans to remain true to himself.
The 26-year-old played mostly as a fullback this year but finished a few games out on the wing, a position familiar to him after 83 Super caps since his debut in 2016.
“I wouldn’t say much changes, just have to learn a few more roles on the wing,” Stevenson said of the transition between fullback and wing.
“Like the boys have said, my footy has just got me to this point in my career and I don’t want to go out there and change.
“Because it’s my first game I’m going to go out there and play my footy in the structures.
“A few new roles to learn but apart from that I’m just going to play my natural game.”
Stevenson has had to be patient for a chance to make his debut after four weeks in camp following his call-up as injury cover ahead of the trip to Argentina.
He missed initial quad selection but doubts over Mark Telea’s fitness gave him a second chance, something that head coach Ian Foster said he has made the most of.
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“It’s just one of those things in life, you’ve got to roll with the punches,” he said of his journey this year
“Obviously I was gutted not to make the initial squad, but you can’t dwell on it too long.
“I got an opportunity to come into this camp and put my best foot forward in front of the coaches.
“They gave me a few work ons to do, so the last four weeks I’ve just been trying to learn as much as I can and critique those things they saw in my game.”
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“Just grateful to get an opportunity.”
It’s been an emotional week for the Stevenson family as the ultimate dream has finally come to life after eight years of life as a professional rugby player and Super Rugby.
The culmination of a dream will come true when he runs out at Forsyth Barr Stadium in the black jersey for the first time.
The last two All Blacks debutants in the No 14 jersey, Mark Telea and Emoni Narawa, both scored on their debuts.
The previous right wing to do it was Nehe Milner-Skudder, who scored on debut against the Wallabies in Sydney in 2015.
“Obviously a few tears, my dad and my poppa. I don’t hear my dad cry that much, shed a few tears over the phone, it was pretty special,” Stevenson recalled of his call to tell his family.
“The last four weeks have really been a grind in a way. Obviously just really stoked to get a crack in this environment, not just for myself but for my family, all my mates that have been along on the journey with me.
“Still hasn’t quite sunk in yet, probably won’t until we get to the game and finally run out.”
Go get 'em boy.
Actually I’m looking forward to the Aussies trying to pressure Jordan in this game that’s what the coach wants to see. There are 13 changes from the last game but the back three have some serious firepower and if the ABs dominate in the forwards it will be a whitewash
I would've put him at Fullback, Will Jordan simply isn't up for it, poor defender and a terrible kicker. If I were the Wallabies I would be planning on applying a ton of kick pressure on Will knowing that a return kick could be a disaster for the All Blacks. If Will is smart he'll just run with it but then he might as well be on the Wing.
Edit: downvote all you want, all it tells me is that I've seen him kick and miss tackles and you have impaired vision. Will Jordan is the best Wing in the world, he isn't at all suited to Fullback yet.
Will has been named Fullback? I feel Stevenson is a most like for like replacement of Will if he went down and that would be seen as his primary selection reason, so it makes sense to play him in Will's position. I could imagine him moving to 15 and Will being subbed as well.