LISTEN I Perofeta on using Ranfurly Shield triumph as springboard to All Blacks success

The 2024 season has been quite the rollercoaster for Stephen Perofeta.

After winning Super Rugby Pacific under Vern Cotter at the Blues, the 27-year-old earned selection for Scott Robertson's maiden All Blacks squad, starting both Tests against England before a calf injury ruled him out of the Rugby Championship.

Fully recovered, he made a timely return to the field to help Taranaki to their Ranfurly Shield triumph against Tasman last weekend, receiving a call-up to the All Blacks squad for their northern tour just a few days later.

Speaking to SENZ Mornings, Perofeta admits locking up the Shield for the summer for his province was the ideal way to reignite his fire.

"I was just real stoked to get back out on the field and run around again and get into some contact," he told host Ian Smith. "You really miss the feeling and I certainly did.

"It was just awesome to be a part of. To come away with the Log O'Wood was a testament to the season we've had so far - no matter the adversity we're going through, we're still going to put our best foot forward and the effort is going to be 100 percent there.

"It was special to be a part of. I loved every moment."

The true test for Perofeta awaits in the upcoming trip to Japan and Europe, where he'll face a stern challenge to regain his spot in the All Blacks starting XV.

Listen to the full interview below: