Why debutant Emoni Narawa thought the All Blacks ‘were setting me up’

Rising star Emoni Narawa had an All Blacks debut that he’ll never forget. Starting on the right wing, the 23-year-old showed plenty of pace and skill during New Zealand’s big win over Argentina.

Narawa was in the thick of the action throughout the Test in Mendoza, and certainly didn’t look out of place after entering the fray of international rugby for the first time.

But, without a doubt, Narawa’s coming-of-age moment came towards the end of the contest. With the All Blacks well on their way to a comfortable win, the debutant crossed for his first international try.

Let the record show that Emoni Narawa is not only All Black No. 1208, but the winger is also a try-scoring All Black.

Long after the full-time siren had sounded at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, the other All Blacks asked the debutant to collect the trophy after New Zealand’s 41-12 victory.

Narawa walked down the tunnel with a bit of silverware in his hands about 30 minutes after the match had ended. Shortly after, Narawa opened up about his “special” debut in black.

“It is quite nice to win something at the end,” Narawa told reporters.

Try on debut! Unreal from Narawa 🖤#AllBlacks #ARGvNZL pic.twitter.com/RIn5AF3VGn

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 8, 2023

“I thought the boys were setting me up there, they told me to go receive the trophy, but they were actually being serious.

“But it’s quite nice to get one trophy in the cabinet, the first one for the year.

“I’ll be carrying it on the bus I think so I’ll be looking after that.”

As Narawa discussed, the All Blacks’ decision to let the debutant collect the trophy was an insight into the culture and values of the legendary rugby team.

The All Blacks, who are also known for famously sweeping the sheds, are a team stepped in tradition, respect and unity.

No one player is bigger than the team.

“I suppose it’s a little bit of a tradition that’s come about,” captain Sam Cane said after the match.

“It’s a team sport and no one really wants to be ‘the one’ holding the trophy, showing it off, so we’ll give it to the new guy.

“Hopefully it makes them feel like they’ve done an outstanding job, they’ve contributed to the win and they’re right in there and part of the team.”

Cane has played a lot of rugby with Narawa this season, with the pair impressing for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific.

While the Chiefs fell short of a fairytale finish in last month’s final at FMG Stadium Waikato, it was clear that the winger had earned a Test call-up following a breakout campaign.

Narawa was included in the All Blacks’ 36-man squad for The Rugby Championship, and was named to debut ahead of their opening Test against Argentina.

With a smile on his face, Cane told reporters at Friday’s Captain’s Run at Marista Rugby Club that Narawa had been “exceptional” all season.

But now, the electric winger has taken the next step in his rugby career with grace, skill and poise. Narawa looked comfortable in Test rugby, and is surely destined for more appearances at that level.

“I think every All Black if they’re asked for a highlight of their career, they’ll always look back and say the debut,” Cane added.

“The realisation of a dream, like a really special occasion.

“For Emoni to do it over here in what’s a pretty good win, and then to cap it off with a try at the end there, I think he should be really proud of his performance.”