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Scott Robertson explains shifting Rieko Ioane to wing late in games

Rieko Ioane of the All Blacks. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Rieko Ioane’s shift from wing to centre has been something of a polarizing topic for New Zealand rugby fans in recent seasons and the debate has, inevitably, reared its head once more in 2024.

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Despite being a regular starter at 13 throughout the last World Cup cycle, Ioane’s skillset for a midfielder has often been called into question with concerns over his playmaking ability and how best to utilise his X-factor pace.

Debuting for the All Blacks at just 19 years of age, Ioane quickly became a household name as his speed and power on the wing saw him usurp Julian Savea in the starting XV.

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While a long All Blacks career was anticipated for the youngster, the black No. 11 jersey is notoriously difficult to pin down with so many talented outside backs in New Zealand, and after a 2019 Rugby World Cup where George Bridge was backed for the starting job ahead of Ioane, a switch to the midfield was confirmed.

Now with 73 Test caps under his belt, Ioane has found himself fulfilling both roles under a new coaching regime with the All Blacks.

He’s not the only one in that position either, with team captain Scott Barrett having a contentious history with the No. 6 jersey.

So of course when SENZ radio took fan-submitted questions with the coach live on air, Scott Robertson was asked whether either player will find themselves in their now secondary positions.

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“Yes to both,” was his response. “Scott’s played quite a bit of six and he might finish there in games. He’s our starting lock and captain, and he’s a powerful scrummaging lock. But, he can cover six at times so we’ve got to be open.

That open mindset applies to his star winger-turned-centre, too.

“Rieko as well, he finished on the wing on the weekend for the last 30 minutes. So, utility is factored in, all players have to play at least two positions at all levels, especially Test level.”

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With strong performances from Anton Lienert-Brown and Test rookie Billy Proctor in the black 13 jersey as well this international season, There’s no shortage of talent waiting in the wings for midfield selection.

For New Zealand’s opening Test of The Rugby Championship against Argentina, it was Lienert-Brwon backed for the starting role outside Jordie Barrett, with Ioane named on the bench.

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Following the record-breaking loss in Wellington, Ioane was injected back into the starting unit among a handful of selection changes made for the Test.

Following the team naming, Ioane said: “It proves that any one of us midfielders need to be ready to start.”

Both starting wings from the Wellington Test were also replaced, with Will Jordan and Caleb Clarke coming in for Sevu Reece and Mark Tele’a – who joined Lienert-Brown on the bench.

Ioane said the selection changes were keeping him on his toes.

“I had gotten used to starting but this reignites the competition that’s always been there. It’s healthy competition between us. I’m just the lucky one this week to be given the opportunity.”

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Rassie Erasmus' Boks selection policy is becoming bizarre

To be fair, the only thing that drives engagement on this site is over the top critiques of Southern Hemisphere teams.


Or articles about people on podcasts criticizing southern hemisphere teams.


Articles regarding the Northern Hemisphere tend to be more positive than critical. I guess to also rile up kiwis and Saffers who seem to be the majority of followers in the comments section. There seems to be a whole department dedicated to Ireland’s world ranking news.


Despite being dialled into the Northern edition - I know sweet fokall about what’s going on in France.


And even less than fokall about what’s cutting in Japan - which has a fast growing, increasingly premium League competition emerging.


And let’s not talk about the pacific. Do they even play rugby Down there.


Oh and the Americas. I’ve read more articles about a young, stargazing Welshman’s foray into NFL than I have anything related to either the north and south continents of the Americas.


I will give credit that the women’s game is getting decent airtime. But for the rest and the above; it’s just pathetic coming from a World Rugby website.


Just consider the innovation emerging in Japan with the pedigree of coaches over there.


There’s so much good we could be reading.


Instead it’s unimaginative “critical for the sake of feigning controversial”. Which is lazy, because in order to pull that off all you need to be really good at is:


1. Being a doos;

2. Having an opinion.


No prior experience needed.


Which is not journalism. That’s like all or most of us in the comments section. People like Finn (who I believe is a RP contributor).


Anyway. Hopefully it will get better. The game is growing and the interest in the game is growing. Maybe it will attract more qualified journalists over time.

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