Rieko Ioane makes ‘100 per cent’ All Blacks prediction for Blues star who is ‘one of the most gifted attackers I’ve seen’
AJ Lam scoring for the All Blacks XV against Munster and Blues centre Rieko Ioane (James Foy/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire).
Rieko Ioane insists that AJ Lam is certainly in the conversation for an All Blacks call-up later this year after becoming a key player for the Blues.
The powerhouse is a versatile back and can cover both wing and centre, which he did so very effectively in 2024 as the Aucklanders claimed the Super Rugby Pacific title.
Although the Blues have struggled in 2025 so far, Lam has been one of their better players this season and it is clear that Ioane is a big fan.
They have combined plenty of times at centre for the Blues and it is not inconceivable that the duo could line up together when the All Blacks’ international campaign begins.
Featuring for the All Blacks XV
The 26-year-old has yet not earned a Test cap but he has appeared for the second-string All Blacks XV.
And asked about Lam’s international prospects on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Ioane responded: “100 per cent. He’s different gravy that fella. On attack especially, he’s one of the most gifted bloody attackers I’ve seen. His footwork’s crazy but to go with it he’s got that mongrel in him on defence.
“Those Lam boys have a streak in them.”
Lam started the Blues’ first five games of the season before missing their heavy 42-19 defeat to the Crusaders last weekend.
Four of those matches have come at centre with his last appearance seeing him start on the wing – against the Chiefs in Round Five.
He has been unable to inspire the Auckland outfit enough to take them away from the lower reaches of the table, however.
It has been a disappointing start from the defending champions, who were so dominant in Vern Cotter’s first year in charge but have faltered so far in 2025.
Cotter remains hugely popular at the Blues having guided them to their first title since 2003, but pressure will inevitably increase if positive results continue to elude them.
Cotter’s influence
“He’s a great man,” Ioane said. “Everyone was sort of umming and ahing when he first arrived, and he’s adapted. We have such a young group and you can probably tell that our Blues team in particular is different to all the other teams.
“We’re very, very out there in terms of our personalities and the way we are, and the way we act because that’s just who we are.
“VC hasn’t tried to dim that down in any way. If anything he’s encouraged it more.”
