Potential All Blacks milestone spurring Rieko Ioane on ahead of Argentina Test
Rieko Ioane of New Zealand during the Rugby Championship match between Australia and New Zealand at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Thursday, September 15, 2022. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **
The chance for New Zealand to stretch their unbeaten record at Eden Park to 50 consecutive Tests when they face Argentina on Saturday is serving as extra motivation for recalled outside centre Rieko Ioane.
Ioane was dropped for last week’s clash between the All Blacks and Los Pumas in Wellington but is back in the run-on side for the rematch between these teams this weekend.
Fantastic record at Eden Park
The All Blacks are currently unbeaten in 49 Tests at Eden Park after last month’s 24-17 victory against England. They last suffered a defeat there in 1994, against France, and since then they have won 47 Tests and drawn two at the venue.
And despite suffering a 38-30 defeat to Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener, Ioane said the All Blacks are determined to turn the tables at the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby.
“We’ve got everything in place, and it is now about freeing ourselves,” said Ioane. “We love playing at Eden Park, and we enjoy the occasion.
“Last week set up this week as a pinnacle game for us, so we’re looking forward to playing there.”
After regaining his spot in New Zealand’s run-on side, Ioane is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“It proves that anyone of us midfielders need to be ready to start,” said the 27-year-old.
Ioane said moving between the All Blacks’ replacements bench and its starting line-up is not unusual for him.
“I had gotten used to starting but this reignites the competition that’s always been there,” he revealed.
‘Healthy competition’
“It’s healthy competition between us. I’m just the lucky one this week to be given the opportunity.”
Ioane said the All Blacks had not underestimated Argentina although there was a period of settling into new demands against England, and he feels they are currently in a better position.
“We’ve had over a month together and we understand our game,” he said. “It’s just about execution; whether that’s timing or individual skill set, it all needs to come right on the table.
“We have extreme confidence in our clarity now. We know our game, we trust our coaches, we’ve trusted our review.
“We still trust our team. Everything’s about getting our confidence up so we can play freely.”
