Ioane the centre of attention in All Blacks debate
Rieko Ioane has yet to start a test for the All Blacks as a centre – though that situation could be about to change in 2020 given the 23-year-old’s commanding form for the Blues in the No 13 jersey.
The 29-test Aucklander believes centre is his best, and most natural, position on the field and from what we saw before Super Rugby shut things down last weekend it is hard to argue with that thought process. He remains very much a work in progress, but an increasingly impressive one at that.
Ioane has made just four starts for the resurgent 5-2 Blues this season after a hand fracture in the opening match kept him out for three weeks. Three of those have been at centre in their last three victories – over the Stormers and Hurricanes on the road and against the Lions at home last Saturday. He has been a standout in all three contests.
Against the Stormers Ioane had 15 runs, gained 68 metres, beat two defenders and had one clean break and an offload; against the Hurricanes he chewed up 55m on 13 carries, made five breaks, a pair of offloads and left eight defenders in his wake. And last week at Eden Park the numbers were strikingly similar: 11 runs, 53m, two clean breaks, three defenders beaten, one offload.
Ioane’s partnership in the Blues midfield with the influential TJ Faiane also appears to be growing with every outing. There are comfort zones, compatibility factors and output levels that suggest their combination is going from strength to strength and the Blues’ back play is clearly benefiting from their presence, efficiency and playmaking ability in the midfield.
It’s possibly only on defence where Ioane’s play at centre is exhibiting any hint of weakness, though a missed tackle or two in a position they say is the most difficult to play defensively in the backline is perfectly understandable.
Ioane missed two of five tackles at centre against the Stormers, four of 11 against the Canes and just one of eight attempted against the Lions. Expect this aspect of his game to improve as he becomes more and more familiar with the quick decision-making required in the midfield.
‘‘He’s playing nice and physical in midfield, he’s carrying hard, he’s defending really well and the extra bit of speed [he has] is handy everywhere on the park,’’ noted Blues coach Leon MacDonald after the 43-10 win over the Lions.
‘‘He seems to be involved in the games and is enjoying it.’’
This last statement is important. The 23-year-old is coming off a tough 2019 season when he lost his spot as a firstchoice starting wing for the All Blacks. Of his 29 test caps, 25 of them have been as starting
No 11, with 24 tries.
Ioane’s response has been to seek a new position – albeit one he has plenty of familiarity with – and to rebuild his reputation as one of the premier attacking forces in the New Zealand game. So far, among a vastly improved Blues backline, he has obliged.
‘‘It’s a work in progress,’’ said Ioane of his season up to this Covid-19 interruption. ‘‘I’m extremely happy with how everything has gone. [Assistant coach] Tana [Umaga] has been working alongside me pretty closely, and from a player of his calibre a bit of expert advice is always handy.’’
Ioane said the guidance he’s getting from Umaga, who knows a thing or two about the transition from wing to midfield, is invaluable.
‘‘It’s not so much one thing [he’s telling me] but all the little things you don’t see as a big pillar of the centre game but are important. The quick catch-pass, the bit of depth you need, all those little things start adding up. He works closely with me and TJ and it’s good to have a mentor like that.’’
Ioane also credits Faiane as being the ideal foil in his quest to prove himself. The two are good friends away from rugby and their midfield partnership has been fairly seamless.
‘‘He is the glue to the backline and even the team,’’ Ioane said of his sidekick. ‘‘He brings the most energy and the boys really respect him for someone so young. The way he leads, not only on the field but at trainings, is second to none. He’s increasing his game and we’re looking forward to bigger and better things from him in the future.’’
So, what does all this mean for the All Blacks? At some stage head coach Ian Foster will have a choice to make. Is Ioane a centre or a wing? Or does he run with him as a hybrid capable of slotting in at either?
Maybe the latter appeals more simply because of the options he has at his disposal. Foster already has Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown and Ngani Laumape as established midfielders and Braydon Ennor appealing as a young talent ready to take the step up. Add Ioane to that mix and that’s a lot of boxes ticked for two starting spots and, potentially, one on the bench.
There’s also Vince Aso at the Hurricanes, Faiane and maybe even Rob Thompson at the Highlanders providing depth and Jordie Barrett’s utility cover as well.
The cupboard is not quite so brimming among the wings. Sevu Reece and George Bridge are the incumbents, Barrett is more than capable there too and the likes of Leicester Faingaanuku (Crusaders), Solomon Alaimalo (Chiefs) and Mark Telea (Blues) are emerging among the younger brigade.
But right now if you were picking your All Blacks midfield on form, Ioane would be front and centre of that conversation.