Stephen Donald weighs in on Rieko Ioane’s ‘convenient’ recall and Jordie Barrett’s ‘influence’ ahead of ‘monster’ Ireland Test
All Blacks star Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane in action for Leinster.
The All Blacks will be able to call on some inside knowledge with former Leinster duo Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane both in camp ahead of the Ireland clash.
Ioane has been drafted into the wider training squad for the encounter with Andy Farrell’s men following an injury to Leroy Carter in the 47-17 victory over Italy.
He has spent the past few months in Dublin after helping Leinster to the United Rugby Championship title in June, a season after Jordie Barrett trod the same path.
Knowledge of the Irish system
The backline duo could therefore be incredibly helpful to Dave Rennie’s preparations with Leinster forming the spine of Ireland’s team.
On The Aftermatch with Kirst and Beav podcast, host Kirstie Stanway-Thorne mentioned that Barrett had been the first choice 12 ahead of the Irish stars during his stint in Europe.
“It’s hardly surprising to be fair,” Stephen Donald responded, before adding: “But a hugely successful time in Ireland, as Rieko has had too, so I’m sure they will have a little bit of knowledge there as far as a few tendencies.
“It is a convenient week isn’t it [for Ioane to return]? Maybe get in the head, ‘what’s he saying about us?’”
While there is a significant doubt if Ioane will be involved in the 23, Barrett will certainly start at inside centre after a superb couple of performances for the All Blacks.
The midfield maestro has been critical in their victories over France and Italy, and has locked down that 12 spot going forward.
“The knowledge is one thing but for me it’s the form that he’s in and the role that he has. Obviously, Ruben [Love] continues to grow and is bedding in really nicely in that 10 jersey. I don’t know if it’s through design but the ability to have Jordie there taking a real leadership role, you can tell that a lot of the decision-making and a lot of the All Blacks stuff is going through him,” Donald said.
“You talk about influential, you look at all the tries, if you look at the last couple of weeks, Jordie Barrett is at the centre of all the good All Blacks attack.
“It’s such a monster Test match that Jordie Barrett will be crucial for the All Blacks.”
Bursts of All Blacks excellence
The All Blacks have begun the Rennie era with successive triumphs in the Nations Championship, but their brilliance has only been in fits and starts.
They will therefore look to knit it together for longer when Ireland visit Auckland this weekend.
“You take the 20 minutes of absolute brilliant off-loading and speed to the game that they had after half-time and you combine that with some of the counter and kicking games that they had from Christchurch which fed into their attack,” said Donald.
“If you keep all of that and then just try and make it go for longer.
“Then you’ve got the threat of the Irish and what they do possess. There are some challenges coming. I would say a massive focus would be up front because we know so much of the Irish game is based on solid set-piece to launch all their attacks from.
“They’re very systematic the Irish, once they get into their flow, they’re like a machine. Everyone knows their jobs, in Jamison Gibson-Park they’ve got an outstanding nine.
“Once they get into their flow, teams just can’t contain them because they’re so organised and so in tune.”
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