Ioane faces lengthy stint on sideline
Leon MacDonald’s Blues face an early character test as they contemplate the next month or so without their best player and most potent strike weapon in All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane.
Ioane is one of three Blues players ruled out of Super Rugby for a prolonged period in the wake of the 37-29 loss to the Chiefs in the opening round of Super Rugby last Friday. Prop Alex Hodgman and hooker Ray Niuia are the others.
The 22-year-old, 29-test wing/ centre scored two blockbusting tries in the season-opener at Eden
Park, where the Blues let slip a 19-5 halftime lead to suffer yet another Kiwi derby defeat, but fractured his hand in the process.
No timetable has been set for Ioane’s return, but hand fractures usually take at least a month to heal properly.
The defection is a major blow for the Blues, who are looking to end an eight-year playoff drought, with their back-three resources not overflowing with world-class performers.
The setback is untimely for Ioane who is desperate to work his way back up the All Blacks pecking order after losing his spot as a starting wing in 2019. He has also made it clear he wants to play mainly at centre this year.
Ioane’s injury blow comes just two days after it was revealed investigations were under way following reports of raucous parties at his Auckland home.
It was reported the complaint alleged loud late-night parties involving Rieko and his brother Akira, who also plays for the Blues.