Ex-All Black’s ‘definite’ Rieko Ioane prediction for Springboks opener and the ‘point of difference’ he can give Dave Rennie’s side
All Blacks back Rieko Ioane and head coach Dave Rennie.
Former All Blacks trio Mils Muliaina, Justin Marshall and James Parsons insist that Rieko Ioane has put himself in contention for the Springboks Test series following a couple of fine performances on tour.
The 29-year-old missed out on the Nations Championship squad after returning from a short-term stint at Leinster, but he was named in the 44-man group for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
He has since gone on to start against the Stormers and Bulls at wing and centre respectively, and has impressed in a number of ways.
What Ioane offers
Ioane’s versatility is obviously a benefit for the All Blacks but he has also looked more explosive in those matches, which has certainly given Dave Rennie food for thought.
“He’s creating a headache and that’s the thing Rens has got right now, he’s got so many options on such different players,” Muliaina said on The Breakdown.
“What he’s brought is that leadership they’ve been talking about when Ardie [Savea] has been back here [in New Zealand].
“He’s stood up but it’s also now reflective of the way he’s been playing. He’s confident, he’s sure within himself and he’s also leading by giving a voice to the guys around him.
“Has he forced his way in? I think he could possibly could. The make-up of the bench for me is going to be interesting; how they go and who sits on the bench.
“They haven’t gone 6-2 and I don’t suspect he will so I think the make-up of the bench is going to be really interesting and Rieko could possibly feature there.”
Having dropped down the pecking order under Rennie’s predecessor, Scott Robertson, after a string of underwhelming displays, Ioane seems to have refound his form.
Injuries to Billy Proctor and Caleb Clarke have obviously helped his chances, while there are also doubts around Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie ahead of the first Springboks Test, but that should not detract from the Blues star’s improvement.
Fellow ex-All Black Parsons joined Muliaina on the panel and he would “definitely” have Ioane on the bench for the opener in Johannesburg.
“I think he features at 23, definitely. I think Caleb’s injury has created the opportunity, his ability to cover midfield and left wing,” Parsons said.
“I think his pace has been a point of difference when he’s played in these games. Everyone’s going to tire in the conditions, I know they’re going to be more used to it because they’ve grown up there on the highveld but I think his pace and his ability to shutdown time and space defensively is just as important as what he’s shown on attack.”
Could Ioane start for the All Blacks?
Marshall, who joined the show from South Africa, went a step further and suggested that a starting role is not of the question for Ioane.
“The one player I will throw out there into the mix is Rieko Ioane. That guy’s come back rejuvenated, he’s playing his best rugby, he’s really motivated,” Marshall said.
“Getting the little messages from inside the camp, they’re saying how good Rieko’s been in the environment. They kind of think the reality check’s been healthy for him, like not getting selected, and he’s come in super positive, he’s been really good within the group.
“He’s not only maybe put himself in the conversation for the 23 but possibly for a starting spot if Damian McKenzie is not fit, and they are sweating on him big time.
“That will shift Will from the wing and then you’ve got four that doesn’t fit into two for the wing spots. Fineanganofo’s done nothing wrong, Carter’s playing well and so is Moorby, and then you’ve got Rieko in the mix with all of his experience at Ellis Park.”
