In a nail-biting Super Rugby clash in Hamilton, the Chiefs narrowly edged out the Blues with a thrilling 32-31 victory. This match showcased the exceptional talents of Shaun Stevenson, a fullback for the Chiefs, who continues to grapple with limited opportunities in the All Blacks setup despite his high-performance levels. Stevenson, who has only represented New Zealand once in 2023, previously made an impression during a Bledisloe Cup match. While he briefly pursued a career in the NRL, he later returned to rugby, securing his position in the Chiefs after a stint in Japan.
Stevenson’s impact was undeniable in this recent match, where he delivered a stunning behind-the-back assist, helping Daniel Rona score the opening try. The remarkable play caught the attention of All Blacks legend Mils Muliaina, who highlighted the skill and trust involved in such a move. Stepping into the game with confidence, Stevenson expressed his mixed feelings about the All Blacks selectors’ feedback regarding his performance over the past season, emphasising that his singular Test appearance remains a point of pride.
The match itself was a showcase of resilience, with the Chiefs bouncing back from last year’s final loss to the Blues. Despite the Blues scoring five tries compared to the Chiefs’ four, it was the boot of Damian McKenzie that proved crucial, contributing significantly to their win. The Chiefs now lead the standings with a record of 4-1, while the Blues, despite the loss, managed to climb off the bottom of the table to ninth, driven by a bonus point.
Captain Luke Jacobson noted the team’s focus on the present season rather than dwelling on past defeats. The atmosphere was lively, too, as both teams sported custom Marvel-themed jerseys, with the Chiefs’ having a Black Panther design and the Blues donning Spider-Man gear for the kids’ round.
In the closing minutes, a missed conversion from Blues’ centre Xavi Taele after a late try by Rieko Ioane sealed the victory for the Chiefs. As the tournament progresses, Stevenson remains open to possibilities, including representing Samoa in the upcoming Rugby World Cup in 2027. The Chiefs will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, driven by a formidable performance that blends skill with competitive spirit.