Why Shaun Stevenson initially missed out on the All Blacks’ squad

To the surprise of many rugby fans in New Zealand, Chiefs flyer Shaun Stevenson was a shock omission from the All Blacks’ initial 36-player squad for the Rugby Championship.

Stevenson has been nothing short of sensational for the Chiefs this season, and has widely been considered a likely bolter ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup.

But, despite scoring 11 tries in 17 games this season for the Chiefs, Stevenson was overlooked for the All Blacks’ first squad of 2023.

Teammate Emoni Narawa was selected as one of the All Blacks’ outside backs, and is also one of five uncapped players in the squad.

Chiefs flanker Samipeni Finau was also selected, along with Crusaders duo Tamaiti Williams and Dallas McLeod, and also Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard.

But Stevenson has been called into the team as injury cover for winger Mark Telea, and coach Ian Foster hinted that the 26-year-old may play a role in “those first two Tests.”

“He’s find out when he comes in,” Foster told Sky Sport. “We’ve got pretty specific job requirements on both sides of the ball.

“On the attack side, he’s proven to be outstanding. He should be very proud of his year.

“We’ve seen a massive improvement in the defensive structural stuff – the tackle and the contact work – but we still want to see a bit more in that space.

“The fact he’s going to come in and be with us, maybe for those first two Tests, is a great opportunity to get a good read of that.”

The All Blacks begin their Rugby Championship campaign against Los Pumas in Argentina next month, before returning to New Zealand to face the Springboks in Auckland.