Ex-All Black: Why under pressure Rieko Ioane is so ‘valuable’ to Scott Robertson
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and centre Rieko Ioane.
Former All Black James Parsons understands why Rieko Ioane remains a key cog in Scott Robertson’s backline despite the criticism he has received in 2024.
The 27-year-old produced a couple of underwhelming displays against England in the July series before he was replaced by Anton Lienert-Brown for the first Argentina Test.
With the Blues star moving to the bench, the All Blacks succumbed to a shock 38-30 defeat to Los Pumas in their Rugby Championship opener.
Lienert-Brown was one of New Zealand’s better performers in that loss, but he made way for the second encounter against the South Americans.
Ioane’s recall
Ioane therefore returned, a decision which was criticised by some, but Parsons felt that his mere presence benefited the All Blacks.
The ex-hooker also praised Will Jordan, who touched down twice in that 42-10 triumph and was busy throughout the encounter.
They look set to retain their places when New Zealand take on the Springboks in two massive Rugby Championship contests, starting next weekend in Johannesburg.
“That make-up with Beaudy [Beauden Barrett] at 15 is world-class and they’ve got the confidence. Make no mistake, the work that Will Jordan did off the ball freed up opportunities for Caleb [Clarke] and everyone else around him,” he said on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
“Rieko as well. I was really wrapped that Goldie [Jeff Wilson] referenced it [on Sky Sport] when the try happened. He was like, ‘That try would not happen without Rieko. If that athlete wasn’t there, he would not draw that attention which allows Will to score.’
“That’s why I’m always at pains to stick up for certain players. If you’re not in that rugby zone, or you haven’t lived and breathed how attack shape works, you can’t always see the guys that [have an influence].
“[Ethan] Blackadder’s another one. They do the work that isn’t going to be celebrated, that isn’t going to be on the highlights clip but, man, it’s so valuable to a team in the systems and the structures.”
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Robertson made some big calls for the second Argentina Test by dropping Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece from the XV, despite those two wings playing well in the previous matches.
“With the All Blacks, your only currency is your performance. Could I say three weeks ago, ‘It should have been that team?’ No, because I thought Sevu Reece was playing outstandingly,” Parsons said.
“When talking about the All Blacks, it’s not a development team, you’ve got to pick guys that are in form and you’ve got to trust that people know the system.”
Best in the world?
There is plenty on the line when the Springboks host the All Blacks. This double-header will likely decide the destination of the Rugby Championship title, while the number one position will also be up for grabs.
It is technically a three-way fight for top spot, with Ireland also in the mix despite not playing, but the likelihood is that either South Africa or New Zealand will end the competition at the summit.
“I said it before the Irish series, if they could go there and go 2-0, Ireland would be the best team. If the All Blacks can do the same thing, I would put it up there with ‘96 – the first series win in South Africa,” Parsons added.
