Digby Ioane reveals why he’s optimistic about the Wallabies and what makes Les Kiss ‘a good coach’
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss and former winger Digby Ioane (inset).
Former Wallabies winger Digby Ioane is encouraged by their improved form under the guidance of head coach Les Kiss, who took charge of the team earlier this year.
There is plenty of optimism in Australia’s ranks, with the Wallabies currently on a six-Test unbeaten run.
This, after former Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt finished his reign on a high with an impressive Nations Championship victory over Italy, while Kiss has won four out of five Tests since becoming head coach, with only a 28-28 draw against Argentina in Mendoza last month preventing him from having a perfect 100% record.
Clinched a shock win over the Springboks
Under Kiss’ mentorship, the Wallabies’ confidence has grown exponentially, and last weekend they registered a shock 42-38 victory over the world champion Springboks in Perth.
That result has moved Australia from seventh up to sixth position in World Rugby’s official rankings and Ioane believes there is plenty of reason for optimism about the Wallabies’ current state of affairs.
“Oh man, I think with the new staff, with (Les) Kiss coming through, and we’ve got some guys coming back from the NRL, like the winger (Mark Nawaqanitawase) that plays for the Roosters,” he told the Behind the Ruck podcast.
“He’s coming back next year towards the World Cup, but I feel like everyone’s going to be competing for their spot. So, we’re still working on who can play where, like with Len (Ikitau) playing at 13. He played amazing on the weekend (against the Springboks).
“So, there’s a lot of opportunities out there. It’s not guaranteed, but every spot, like seeing as to the wingers, it’s up for grabs.
“So, we’ve got enough time to mix and match. On the weekend, that’s probably the best team that I’ve seen so far, to go up against the best in the world.”
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Ioane singled Kiss out for special praise and gave an insight into how he gets the best out of his players.
‘He’s a players coach’
“I’ve met him a couple of times, but man, he’s a player’s coach. He gets involved with the players,” he said.
“I’ve met him a couple of times, but he sounds like an amazing person. He cares for the players, what’s right for the players. He’s an all-rounder, to be honest.
“He’s played (rugby) league. He knows the culture. I think from a player’s opinion, he doesn’t just care about how you play.
“He actually makes sure your family is well prepared and you’re being looked after, you know what I mean?
“He’s actually a good coach, to be honest.”
