Ioane brothers destined to reach the top
Bigger stages await for Auckland siblings who honed skills in the backyard, reports Liam Napier.
Brotherly love has been the talk of the town this week thanks to the Savea siblings, and it appears only a matter of time before the Ioane family celebrates its boys running out in the same All Blacks team.
If you’ve watched any Super Rugby, sevens or provincial action this year you would, at some point, have been gobsmacked by the skill of Akira and Rieko Ioane. Big, strong, fast and athletic, with ball in hand for Auckland at present they look on another level to their rivals.
From backyard battles to Ponsonby age grade teams – proud under 13 champs – Auckland Grammar first XV and now the professional ranks, the powerful pair have been near inseparable throughout despite their near twoyear age gap.
‘‘Before we hit high school we played in the same teams because we only had one car so we couldn’t get to two games so I played up with Akira,’’ said Rieko, the younger of the duo at 19. ‘‘Not touching the ball up until sixth form helped me learn how to watch him run . . . I started getting a feel for what he likes to do and play so I think it helped.
‘‘We know as soon as he’s carried he’s going to look for the offload. We’re always running off his shoulder.’’
In their brief time on the national scene the Ioanes have left a lasting impression and ticked boxes others can only dream of.
They went to the Olympics with the sevens side and were star struck to see Usain Bolt in the flesh; teamed up for the Blues and can both expect further higher honours to come this year.
‘‘Last time we had a backyard challenge he won,’’ Akira said. ‘‘He bumped me off. It was a couple of years back now. It’s pretty special playing in as many teams as we have and we get to know what each other likes to do. Not many people get to do that.’’
Rieko made his Super Rugby debut this season on the wing but it’s at centre his long-term future lies. He’s already spent time training with the All Blacks squad as injury cover, and is expected to be selected for the end of year tour where his skills will only improve under the guidance of Wayne Smith and Ian Foster.
Akira’s star initially shone brightest but being among a logjam of loose forwards means his progression may take a little longer. The 21-year-old can still expect to make the journey north with the New Zealand Maori team later this year.
Zinzan and Robin Brooke, Colin and Stan Meads, Owen and Ben Franks. Forty-four sets of brothers have played for the All Blacks, with the Saveas only the 10th to feature together. The Barrett clan are likely to join those ranks one day.
And there’s little doubt the Ioane boys will also add to the collection.
‘‘It’s always cool to see Ardie and Julz both All Blacks so young,’’ Rieko said.
‘‘For us we’ve just got to keep playing consistently well and one day later it would be cool to wear the black jersey together but for now we’ve got to keep our heads down.’’
In the competitive world of talent identification, playing ability is only one consideration.
Genes are now a big part of the equation, and the Ioane boys clearly had regard.
Mother Sandra played for the Black Ferns and father Eddie featured for Samoa at the 1991 World Cup.
The brothers still reside family home, and naturally mum’s cooking. a helping hand in this at the savour