Richard Kahui understands the thinking behind Stevenson's omission

Ian Foster shocked New Zealand rugby fans on Sunday when form fullback Shaun Stevenson’s name was not read out in the All Blacks‘ Rugby Championship squad, only later revealing that Stevenson would join the team as injury cover for Mark Telea.

That lands Stevenson in the position of having just a few remaining opportunities to impress All Black selectors. One will of course be Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific grand final and the others will be inside All Blacks camp. Stevenson and other All Black hopefuls will also likely suit up for the NPC season which starts one month before the World Cup.

Stevenson’s omission has been met with disbelief after the Chiefs star dazzled throughout 2023’s Super Rugby Pacific to build on wildly impressive campaigns with the All Blacks XV and Maori All Blacks in 2022.

The reasoning Ian Foster provided was based on Stevenon’s defence, which the coach admitted had improved this season but still left more to be desired.

Former Chiefs teammate and All Black Richard Kahui offered his perspective on the selection debate.

“If you take it off just what he’s done this year, he’s probably done enough to make the squad,” Kahui told The Platform.

“But, taking everything into account it’s a World Cup year, this team’s been building for four years now to get here and it’s not uncommon to see coaches stick with at least a big core for who they’ve taken and I think those outside backs for the All Blacks, there’s a number of guys that have been there the last few years and that have performed.

“So on his form, yep, he definitely could have made the All Blacks but I think just being the year it is – the good thing for Shaun is he is playing well enough to make it so if he can put another year like that in next year and the year after, he could be a long term All Black.”

Stevenson’s future in rugby isn’t a guarantee though, after his form in 2022 went unrewarded by All Black selectors there were rumours a code-switch could be on the table. Stevenson would later confirm he had been approached by the NRL’s Redcliffe Dolphins but was committed to seeing out his current contract which ends in 2023.

Stevenson will no doubt have a strong influence over the Chiefs’ final match of the year. All Black selectors made no secret of the emphasis placed on performances in the Super Rugby playoffs, noting how it provides the best insight into how players perform under the pressure of the bright lights.

“The door’s not completely shut,” Kahui continued. “He’s got a big game this weekend and the All Black coaches will be watching.

“If you can go out there and perform, it probably gives them that confidence to say ‘hey, actually I am ready and I can play the big games.'”

The final may well be the biggest game of Stevenson’s career given the circumstances. The 26-year-old’s flashes of brilliance on the international stage in 2022 were promising signs of how his Super Rugby form may translate for the All Blacks.

That continuation of form from Super Rugby to international is no easy task, as countless players of the past have discovered the hard way. Kahui reaffirmed that message: “When you get to that international stage and you get to World Cups it’s a whole different kettle of fish.”