Rieko Ioane set for five-year first as harsh reality bites after All Blacks snub
Rieko Ioane will play his first NPC game in five years on Saturday.
Dropped All Blacks back Rieko Ioane will feature for Auckland in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) this weekend after being named in their team to face Counties Manukau.
As New Zealand continue their preparations for the Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies at Eden Park, the 86-Test veteran will be turning out for his club side.
It will be the first time in 1,826 days (five years) that Ioane will feature in the NPC having been a key part of the All Blacks squad during that period.
He has been a mainstay of the national team since he made his debut against the British and Irish Lions as a teenager in 2017.
Ioane has also been a favourite of Scott Robertson after the Crusaders legend’s arrival as All Blacks boss following the 2023 World Cup final defeat.
Dip in form
However, his form has waned over the past 12 months and Robertson duly took the decision to axe him from his squad ahead of the clash with the Springboks in Wellington.
His replacement, Leroy Carter, touched down on debut, but South Africa ended up claiming a dominant 43-10 triumph in the capital – a record defeat for New Zealand.
The 28-year-old will look to play his way back into contention, starting with this weekend’s NPC encounter where he will interestingly line up at centre for Auckland.
That is because another All Black, Caleb Clarke, will feature on the left wing, which is where Ioane has played at Test level this season.
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Like his club and international team-mate, Clarke was overlooked by Robertson for the Boks clash last weekend due to Carter getting the nod, but many think that his skills could help the national side.
The All Blacks have struggled aerially in 2025 but that is where the back three star excels and another good display on Saturday – he has already played two NPC matches since returning from injury – could put him back in the mix.
Robertson’s advice
As for Ioane, he desperately needs to find some form given the harsh reality of his current situation and this could be the game to do it.
Robertson has provided him with some targets, which he will hope to hit in the clash with Counties Manukau on Saturday.
“There’s one-on-one technical stuff that everyone has to grow in their game. We’ve obviously given him a crack at wing,” the All Blacks head coach told reporters before the Wellington Test.
“His work ethic, his work off the ball has been incredible but there are a few touches that we need to improve, which he’s well aware of.”
