Ex-All Black John Kirwan is tipping a debut for Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson as the side prepares to take on the Wallabies at the MCG in Melbourne.
Super Rugby Pacific’s form player has not been seen in action for the All Blacks despite being called up initially as injury cover for Blues winger Mark Telea.
Telea missed the opener against Argentina along with Will Jordan, who was deliberately left at home, allowing for Emoni Narawa to debut on the right wing.
Both players returned to face South Africa on the left wing at Mt Smart in the 35-20 win.
But Kirwan believed that the All Blacks are dealing with injuries that has opened the door for Stevenson to get a run as the players in doubt are at risk of missing the World Cup.
“I’m hearing whispers down the hallway. We don’t know if it’s really true or not but that there are a couple of niggly injuries that could keep a couple of players out for six weeks,” Kirwan said.
“Shaun Stevenson is still with the All Blacks so we might just see him. You’ve got a couple of niggly injuries where you don’t know if that person is going to go to the World Cup.
“We have to see people. Maybe it is not this week, but when are you going to see them?”
Despite starring against the Springboks, there is still uncertainty surrounding Will Jordan as he manages his way back from migraines and vertigo symptoms.
Foster disclosed that they had deliberately rested Jordan for the All Blacks’ opening Rugby Championship game against Argentina to avoid extensive overseas travel.
With the All Blacks heading overseas to Melbourne, it remains to be seen whether they will bring him or remain cautionary.
Former All Black wing Jeff Wilson believed that the Dunedin Test has been pencilled in as the time to experiment, but only if the All Blacks get the job done this week and secure the Bledisloe Cup for another year.
“I think we see everyone in Dunedin if we win this game. We will see everybody,” he said.
“But their focus is well and truly on Melbourne.”
Another player yet to be seen is Crusaders wing Leicester Fainga’anuku, who was in devastating form during Super Rugby Pacific with 13 tries and 21 line breaks.
However the 23-year-old has already confirmed he will be departing New Zealand after he signed an 18-month deal with Toulon.
Time is running out for Fainga’anuku or Stevenson to press their World Cup claims with the two Bledisloe Tests remaining and a one-off game against the Springboks.
“If he is fit and available now, and plays the same position as Braydon Ennor, surely Leicester Fainga’anuku is the option off the bench?” Wilson asked.
“If you’ve got any faith in him as a player and trust him to turn the Super Rugby form into the black jersey, you have to see him now.
“We have to see him play this week in a pressure situation.”
