What’s up with Akira Ioane?
The tragedy of Akira Ioane being spat out by the Blues is how many people just processed the information and immediately continued with important tasks like turning over the compost.
When the Blues advised us that Ioane wouldn’t travel to South Africa ahead of first tour game against the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday morning, how many people were stunned by the news? Probably not many.
We all know how good Ioane, who made one appearance for the All Blacks in 2017, can be when going forward; watching the big back rower scatter defenders can be like watching Gulliver mess around with the inhabitants on the island of Lilliput.
But when he’s not meeting expectations the reprisals can be swift, and now Hoskins Sotutu is considered the best option at No 8 for the Blues.
Last year the All Blacks selectors were toying with selecting Ioane for the World Cup in Japan, having previously invited him to some training camps. It didn’t end well.
Not only was Ioane not selected, he also received a public tuneup by coach Steve Hansen. Ioane, said Hansen, wasn’t fit enough when he arrived for duty at the Blues last year and despite playing in all their games he didn’t convince the All Blacks selectors he was working hard enough.
1. Are the Blues better off without Ioane?
Sotutu is going pretty well, and clearly coach Leon Macdonald, who said he only had room for one No 8 on tour, believes he’s got more to offer.
Sotutu, though, is just one part in a machine that’s continuing to disappoint. The Blues, despite taking an early lead against the Crusaders last weekend, never looked like winning in front of a paltry crowd of just 10,000 fans. Enough said.
2. What is NZ Rugby doing to help the Blues?
Well, it cannot stand accused of burying its head in a bucket of sawdust.
Two years ago NZ Rugby took a 40 per cent partnership interest in the club following an independent review of its governance structure, and appointed former All Blacks coach John Hart, NZ Rugby board member Richard Dellabarca and former government Cabinet minister Sam Lotu-liga to the board. It’s probably no coincidence Leon Macdonald was appointed head coach a few months later, with Tana Umaga demoted to assistant.
A few months later Don Mackinnon, a NZ Cricket director and chair of its high performance committee, was named chairman. And last year Andrew Hore arrived as the new CEO.
Yet on-field problems remain. This may continue to be a slow burner.
3. Check out the Crusaders’ winning streak.
The fact fanatics at Opta tells us that the Crusaders’ first game in Christchurch in 2020 will coincide with them trying to extend their unbeaten streak to 33 on home turf.
That’s some effort. With club captain Scott Barrett injured, David Havili takes over the captain’s armband.
4. There’s been an outbreak of mumps in the Brumbies.
We are told the outbreak of cases has been limited to within the squad. Sanzaar and Rugby Australia have stepped in to assist and the word is only players with a clean bill of health will play the Chiefs in Hamilton tomorrow.
It’s not as if the Brumbies don’t have enough problems already.
The late brain explosion against the Highlanders last weekend, when they lost possession and leaked a late try to lose in Canberra, was ugly.
And the Canberra-based team hasn’t won in New Zealand since 2014. Good luck to them.
5. More bad news for the Reds.
The Queenslanders have lost talented midfielder Jordan Petaia for the season with a serious shoulder injury.
Surgery is required, and he will likely need up to 20 weeks of rehabilitation. The good news for Wallabies coach Dave Rennie is he should be back for part of the international window.
The Reds, having suffered defeats to the Brumbies, Lions and Jaguares, are chasing their first win of the season.
There may be no way back if they crumble to the Sunwolves in Brisbane. Grim, isn’t it?