Scott Robertson hints at Rieko Ioane switch as All Blacks confident they can ‘get the best out of’ struggling star
Scott Robertson has hinted at a positional switch for Rieko Ioane in 2025 after naming his All Blacks squad ahead of the three Tests against France.
Ioane helped the Blues reach the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals but wasn’t at his starring best, with many onlookers believing that a move back to the wing would spark a career resurgence.
Rieko Ioane on the wing?
The 81-Test cap back started his international career on the wing, debuting against the British and Irish Lions in 2017, but in the build-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, former head coach Ian Foster deployed Ioane in the centres with Jordie Barrett.
With Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor and the uncapped Timoci Tavatavanawai named in the first All Blacks squad of the year, there is a thought that Ioane could well return to the wing in 2025.
Robertson appeared on Sports Nation NZ, where he provided some insight on his squad and was asked whether Ioane or Tavatavanawai would be more likely to feature on the wing.
“I think you will know when the team is named,” the head coach joked.
“The good thing about it is they both can play centre and wing.
“The utility factor is massive, Beauden [Barrett] at full-back, Damian [McKenzie] doing both, Ruben [Love] too. You’ve got to have that ability to pick a squad that is versatile and all those things come into play.”
Robertson added that utility was a major factor in his selection and revealed that the loose forwards and midfield were the most challenging selection areas.
“Probably a mix between the midfielders who can cover the outside backs and the loose forwards, I think everyone can see that,” he said.
“It’s quite clear some players have played themselves in like Du’Plessis Kirifi, he has been superb all year.
“As for the midfield, it was who can cover a few positions – the utility factor – in centre and wing for these three Tests.
“It’s key both on and off the field because training is so important.”
Caleb Clarke’s form
The conversation turned back to the wingers when Robertson was asked about Caleb Clarke’s form.
The 26-year-old played 11 times for the Blues during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season but failed to score a single try for the Aucklanders.
When asked about what the winger did to retain his place in the squad and whether the coaches are concerned about his form, Robertson said that the All Blacks are confident that they will get the best out of Clarke.
“Caleb’s a Test footballer, we’ll get the best out of him,” he stated.
“We trust ourselves to get him back to top form. Last year he was good for us.
“He has a big body, great aerially, good left foot – run kick – so we will get the best out of Caleb.”
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