Rieko Ioane ‘not far away’ as Scott Robertson reveals path back into All Blacks team
Rieko Ioane is 'not far away' from a Test return, according to boss Scott Robertson
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson insists Rieko Ioane is ‘not far away’ from making a return to the Test side, despite again being omitted from the 23-man squad to face the Wallabies.
The versatile back, who has played both centre and wing at Test level, started all three of New Zealand’s opening Tests in the Rugby Championship, but was axed ahead of their clash with the Springboks last time out and sent to play in the NPC.
Ioane again failed to recapture his best form in his first provincial game in five years, and as a result has not made a return to the All Blacks side to face Australia this weekend. Caleb Clarke has subsequently taken the vacant spot on the wing, while Billy Proctor has again been preferred at 13.
The 28-year-old is one of the most experienced players in this current All Blacks side, with 86 caps to his name at the time of writing.
‘He’s not far away’
Despite previously being one of the All Blacks’ key men since his debut against the British and Irish Lions back in 2017, he has struggled to hit those lofty heights since Razor took the reins last year.
In the Robertson-era, Ioane has scored just two tries in his 17 Test appearances, compared to the five he scored in the 17 Tests previous.
That form has since seen him fall out of favour in this current squad, but Razor has mapped out a path back into the side.
“(He needs to) play well when he gets an opportunity, and play well when he gets playing rugby.”
He added: “We’ll keep the individual skill stuff in-house, but he’s played 80-odd Tests. He’s not far away.”
Ioane’s latest snubbing has allowed Clarke and Leroy Carter to be named on the wings, with Clarke donning the famous number 11 jersey and Carter moving over to 14, and the boss was full of praise for his latest wing pairing.
“He’s got a great skillset, doesn’t he?” Razor said of Clarke. “Aerially, he’s got a left-foot kick and is a great power winger.
“The great thing about Leroy is his versatility. He can play both wings, midfield and half-back if we need as well. It’s great he can slot across to the right wing.”
