Kiwis vs Tonga: Halfback Shaun Johnson has something to think about ahead of farewell Tests in New Zealand

Johnson’s surprise return – the result of a Kiwi spin injury – was a major boost given his experience and ability. But it also stuck with Johnson.

“I had probably forgotten how unique and special this space is,” Johnson admitted. “I always thought it was the highest level, a lot of things (from this camp) I’m going to keep for the rest of my life.”

Johnson is playing relatively free of pressure and expectation, which is new compared to much of his career due to the circumstances that led to this unlikely comeback. But it’s also nice – for a player who gave so much to the sport – that Johnson can end his career in this way, making his first appearance for the Kiwis since 2019.

“It’s a little different,” Johnson said. “I’m done with all the goodbyes and emotional things. This wasn’t even meant to happen. I just like to be in the moment and be present and take it all in without thinking about it.”

He was happy with his international career: “I didn’t need it. I was very happy with how it turned out,” and was happy to pass the torch to the likes of Jarome Hughes and Dylan Brown. It’s really different from other times – especially in the 2014-15 era when there was so much focus on Johnson – and he’s glad this camp “wasn’t about that, not me or the guys.”

“I just come here and do my job,” Johnson said. “Add the value I can add, have fun with it, and the result will be the result.”

But Johnson is more than just a cog in the wheel, and his exit remains a major storyline. This is also a time to look back. Johnson played most of his 33 Test matches overseas, but there were some highlights at home.

His favorite memory was the 2014 Four Nations, where New Zealand won hard-fought victories in Whangarei (Samoa) and Dunedin (England), followed by an outstanding individual and collective performance in the final in Wellington against the Kangaroos. His 2012 debut at Eden Park and his epic battle against Tonga in 2019 – “after what they did to us at the World Cup the year before” – were also standouts.

“I love wearing this jersey, I love what it means, what it represents and who it could potentially inspire,” Johnson said.

And his teammates loved having him around.

“We admired him from afar,” center Matt Timoko said. “Coming into this camp, he brought a sense of calm to our game and our structure.”

Skipper James Fisher-Harris praised the leadership given to the largely young group.

“He’s been around a long time and is still a very good player and full of energy,” Fisher-Harris said. “How special is it for us to be able to play these last few games with SJ?”

While he was pleased with his result last week in Christchurch – “I’m traveling pretty well” – Johnson is expecting more from both the team and himself this time around. The Kiwis will need that extra edge against a Tongan side who impressed in their 18-0 defeat to the Kangaroos in Brisbane.

The Kiwis were given an extra boost on Friday night as 1980s legend Mark Graham and fellow Kiwi great Reuben Wicky oversaw the unveiling of the jerseys. Both command great respect, especially Graham, who suffered so much for the New Zealand cause and also paved the way for the New Zealanders in the Winfield Cup.

Coach Stacey Jones believes the Kiwis are on the right track: “We weren’t far off it (last week). There was a lot of focus on defense, as well as improving the attack, which was “a bit clunky” in Christchurch. Jones wants to improve positioning and communication and hopes hooker Phoenix Crossland and five-eighth Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad can become more involved in playmaking.

The Kiwis were given an extra boost on Friday night with 1980s legend Mark Graham and fellow Kiwi great Reuben Wicky overseeing the unveiling of the jerseys. Both command great respect, especially Graham, who suffered so much for the New Zealand cause and also paved the way for the New Zealanders in the Wienfeld Cup.

“He was a pioneer,” Fisher-Harris said. “I’ve heard a lot of stories. The way he acted is a legend of the game.”

Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup and America’s Cup campaigns. He also reported on the Warriors and the NRL for 15 years.