Israel Dagg urges Scott Robertson to unleash ‘the man-child’ as Rieko Ioane drifts down All Blacks pecking order
All Blacks back Rieko Ioane and former New Zealand back three star Israel Dagg.
Israel Dagg believes that Rieko Ioane should be demoted to the All Blacks bench with one of this year’s bolters taking his place.
Not only does the former back three star insist that Chiefs star Leroy Carter must start against Argentina but that, if it goes well, the finisher should also be in that left wing slot for the massive Springboks clash at Eden Park.
Carter enjoyed a fine season in Super Rugby Pacific, playing a key role in their run to the final, and was named in the New Zealand squad as injury cover for Caleb Clarke.
Ioane has been in the number 11 shirt for the All Blacks in 2025, moving from centre having struggled for form in that position, but he has still not convinced.
A chance for Robertson to experiment?
With Scott Robertson’s side facing, on paper at least, probably the weakest team in the Rugby Championship, it could offer the head coach a chance to try out a couple of rookies.
On Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy show, Dagg was asked to named his All Blacks backline and made one alteration from the side that defeated Los Pumas last weekend.
“We’ve got Will Jordan at the back, that’s pretty obvious,” he said.
“I’m going Billy Proctor, I think he deserves another chance, I think they need to continue with that. That’s what I want to see; more reps, more opportunities for Billy Proctor in that centre position.
“This is where it gets interesting, it’s time to unleash the man-child Leroy Carter. It’s time for Leroy Carter to have an opportunity and make his debut on the wing for the All Blacks.
“Keep Sevu [Reece] on the right, give Leroy Carter a crack [on the left wing] – a position he’s played all year for the Chiefs.
“You give him time to have a go, he comes back, he might play one little NPC game.
“If he produces a performance out there [in Argentina], how great would it be knowing that you’ve got someone – an out-and-out winger – taking on the Springboks at home.”
As for where that left Ioane, Dagg added: “He’s 23 for me, covering wing and centre on the bench.”
Bold bench calls
Who would join the 28-year-old among the replacements stirred another debate with the ex-All Blacks star making some more bold calls.
Dagg would like to see another rookie, Carter’s fellow Chief Simon Parker, given an opportunity in the 23, believing that he could ultimately be the answer at blindside.
“I’m putting Josh Lord ahead of Samipeni [Finau] because of Simon Parker; it’s to show why he was picked in the All Blacks squad – Simon Parker to make his debut off the bench,” he said.
“The way that he has played in the six position has made everyone decide that this is the guy we’ve been looking for, for the last couple of years.
“Since Frizell shot off, this is a guy that’s fulfilled a role and done it extremely well – better than the rest – in the six position.
“For that reason you leave him at six, Josh Lord covers lock.”
READ MORE: ‘Small-minded’ All Blacks great ‘not convinced’ by Wallace Sititi in shock verdict
