'History is full of that': Ian Foster on the new All Black selections and getting 'tripped up'
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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
Comments on RugbyPass
“Cortez Ratima is light years ahead of anyone on current form, while TJ Perenara has also skyrocketed into contention following the unfortunate injury to the talented Cam Roigard.” At last some sanity. Hitherto so many pundits have been wittering on about Finlay Christie to the point one wondered if they were observing a FC in a parallel universe where the FC they saw wasnt just the mediocre Shayne Philpott project of Fosters hapless AB reign in the real world. Ratima, Perenara and Fakatava are the ONLY logical 9s for Razor now Roigard is crocked.
2 Go to commentsThis game was just as painful as the Hurricanes game. It was real fork-in-the-eye stuff.
2 Go to commentsNow if they could just fire the Crusaders ground PA guy who likes to play his dance music and just loves the sound of his own voice the entire game, even when play is going on. And I thought their brass band thing of a few years ago was bad.
5 Go to commentsUnfortunately when you lose by far the two form players this season in Roigard and Aumua, you're left replacing two game changing Tanks with a couple of pea-shooters. Which is also about the speed of TJs pass.
2 Go to commentsBit rich coming from the guy with zero loyalty to anyone or any team, including happily taking a players place in a league world cup squad because well, SBW wanted to play in it and thus an already named player got told he was no longer going. And airing stuff like this, which may or may not be true, doesn't exactly say you're a stand up guy either SBW. Just looking to keep his name in lights as usual.
37 Go to commentsTamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
2 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
5 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
5 Go to comments