ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
FAIR QUESTION
Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson has sent a different type of message to All Blacks coach Ian Foster.
This time the Waikato bolter chose to send a simple text instead of yet another scintillating performance on the rugby field.
“Hey Ian, just checking in. Have you seen any of my games this season?” Stevenson texted in a curious but relaxed manner, fully knowing his form could not have gone unnoticed. It would appear that the only logical explanation could be that the coach had been watching something (or someone) else all year.
It comes as the fullback’s name was absent from the All Blacks’ 36 man squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship. Many expected he would be the first one to be picked after his 11 tries for the top of the table Chiefs. Despite a minor consolation of being called in as injury cover for Mark Telea, he is not part of the official playing group and won’t be expected to play in the upcoming test matches.
Like everyone who has been watching rugby in 2023, Stevenson had good reason to believe his consistent performances throughout this year’s Super Rugby season would have caught the eye of the All Blacks coaches and selectors. Their one job after all is to pick the best performing players in the game.
Stevenson later revealed that Ian Foster had eventually replied to his message saying “Sorry Shaun, I was too busy watching Caleb Clarke.”
More to come.
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