All Blacks: Scott Robertson explains rookie’s exclusion and reveals Rieko Ioane’s reaction to positional switch
All Blacks back Rieko Ioane and head coach Scott Robertson.
Scott Robertson has explained the decision to move Rieko Ioane back to the wing with Billy Proctor starting in the All Blacks’ midfield against France.
The head coach made several surprising decisions in his team of the year, with Netherlands-born lock Fabian Holland making his Test debut alongside captain Scott Barrett, with Christian Lio-Willie also debuting at number eight.
Rieko Ioane’s return to the wing
In the backline, Jordie Barrett has a new centre partner in Proctor, with Ioane earning his first cap on the wing for the All Blacks since 2021, having featured in the midfield for club and country since.
The 28-year-old has openly stated that he prefers playing the centres, but Robertson revealed that Ioane was keen on the challenge of moving back to the position where he began his career.
“Rieko’s competent in either position; he can start or finish in either,” he told reporters.
“This is his opportunity to get on the wing and do some finishing for us. It’s exciting, he was keen and up for it and whatever is best for the team.”
His move into the wider position opens the door for Proctor to earn just his third Test cap after debuting against Fiji last year.
Robertson has been impressed by the Hurricanes’ star, who was unfortunate not to play during the November internationals due to injury.
“He has had a great couple of seasons, and it’s a shame that at the end of the tour, he had a few bumps and couldn’t quite get back and play a couple of games,” he said.
“But look, he’s been very consistent, he can play square and he is good on both sides of the ball and complements the back line beautifully.”
Tupaea over Tavatavanawai
There were hopes that Highlanders star Timoci Tavatavanawai, who has been likened to All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu, would get a debut in the opening game of the year as well.
However, Robertson explained that the powerhouse midfielder needed another week in the squad to embed and get up to speed, while the coaches were pleased to have Quinn Tupaea back at their disposal.
“We’ve given Timoci another week in [training] to understand [the structures], and embed himself, get up to the calls, our training and everything that’s required of him,” he added.
“The first week or so can be a little bit of a heavy load, potentially, but Quinn’s a hell of a player and he’s had a great season, so we were pleased to have him back in the mix.”
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