Rieko Ioane’s honest admission amid form criticism but All Blacks star ‘happy with the slow burn’
Rieko Ioane ahead of Blues Super Rugby Pacific clash (James Foy/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire) and in action for the All Blacks in 2024.
Rieko Ioane has admitted that he is very much aware of the speculation surrounding his All Blacks position, but he is confident of getting it right eventually.
The 28-year-old has been one of New Zealand’s consistently excellent performers over the years, both at wing and centre, but he endured a mediocre Test season in 2024.
Those struggles have continued in an underperforming Blues outfit during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, with the defending champions battling to make the top-six.
Ioane has duly come in for some criticism, with his skills being questioned and leading many observers to wonder whether he is hampering the All Blacks attack.
Backed by All Blacks boss
Head coach Scott Robertson stuck by him last year and it would not be a surprise to see him do the same when the France series comes around in July, but the pressure is increasing on the centre.
There are a few options Robertson could consider at 13, including the Hurricanes’ Billy Proctor and the Chiefs’ Anton Lienert-Brown, but Ioane is confident of holding off those challengers to the jersey.
“As players, we see everything. We see headlines, but that’s all part of it,” he told reporters. “I’ve been in years like this before and, come the end of the season, it’s a different sort of headline.
“I’m happy as always with the slow burn, slow build. I want to perform the best I can for my brothers at the Blues.”
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Ioane gets an opportunity to shine when he starts for the Blues in their huge Super Rugby clash against Moana Pasifika on Saturday.
Vern Cotter’s men currently reside in fifth place but the three teams behind them, including Moana, all have a game in hand which means a loss could be catastrophic for the champions.
Moana ‘threat’ and Ardie in opposition
“You look back at the last couple of weeks, and all it’s been is two decent performances. We haven’t achieved anything. Our feet are firmly on the ground,” Ioane said.
“We know the threat Moana poses. With such a tight table and all teams running hot for the finish line it’s going to be a huge game.
“Although it was a good win in Fiji [against the Drua], we know we can still tidy a few things up.”
The Blues’ opponents on Saturday also contain one of the All Blacks’ best players and arguably the outstanding performer in the competition this season in Ardie Savea.
“Ardie’s performances on the field help him to be the leader he is. We as players knew he could have an impact on Moana and I think they haven’t scratched the surface yet. They’re a team with much more to give but we’ll still see Saturday,” Ioane added.
“Ardie and I are close but he knows we’re coming.”
