All Blacks’ breakout star set for return after Rugby World Cup dream wrecked by ‘scary’ injury
Emoni Narawa following his All Blacks debut against Argentina in the 2023 Rugby Championship.
All Blacks wing Emoni Narawa will make his first appearance in over eight months after recovering from the injury which ruled him out of the Rugby World Cup.
The 24-year-old was one of the breakout stars of the 2023 season, producing a series of stunning performances to help the Chiefs top the Super Rugby Pacific table.
As a result, he was called up to the New Zealand squad and made his debut in the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in July.
Debut
Despite earning just one cap, Narawa did enough to force his way into the World Cup squad, but his dreams were ended before the tournament began.
Thankfully, he has now recovered from the concerning problem and the speedster has been named in the Chiefs’ squad for their Super Rugby derby with the Highlanders.
“The disc actually slipped out,” the wing told Newshub in January. “It was hitting a nerve and my left leg was numb.
“It took at least two months for the feeling to come back in my leg.
“I was just gutted when it happened. I wasn’t thinking about y leg, I was just thinking, ‘s***, I’m out of the World Cup.’
“It was scary.”
Narawa has been named on the bench for the Chiefs’ game against the Highlanders, with Daniel Rona and Etene Nanai-Seturo taking the wing spots.
“This week we are delighted to see Emoni returning for his first run of the season off the bench,” Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said. “He has been through a bit with his injury, but he’s worked hard to overcome that and is looking back to his cheeky elusive self.”
The Chiefs are without two All Blacks in the shape of Samisoni Taukei’aho and Anton Lienert-Brown but it is otherwise a strong squad.
“The Highlanders have looked a vastly improved outfit in 2024. They look fit, aggressive and organised on both sides of the ball,” McMillan said. “They have our full respect and attention, and we have selected a side that reflects the challenge we are anticipating.
“At this stage of the season, as other teams are, we are needing to find a good balance between following load management plans, dealing with injuries and giving squad members opportunity to play whilst maintaining a degree of cohesion in the match day 23.
“It has its challenges, but creates healthy competition in your squad and hopefully has you well positioned come the business end of the season.”
Chiefs team to face Highlanders
Chiefs: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Daniel Rona, 13 Rameka Poihipi, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 7 Kaylum Boshier, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Jared Proffit
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 George Dyer, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Xavier Roe, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Emoni Narawa
Date: Saturday, March 23
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Kick-off: 16:35 local (03:35 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Dan Waenga (New Zealand), Mike Winter (New Zealand)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
READ MORE: Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Week: Reds and Chiefs rule the roost after fine victories
