'The evolution' of Rieko Ioane's midfield game is reaching new heights

Rieko Ioane’s transition from the left wing to outside centre has had its hiccups, but the continued growth from the 26-year-old has progressively ironed out the crinkles in his game. In a World Cup year, pundits believe Ioane has added more strings to his bow.

Surreal pace and attacking instincts made Ioane a world-class winger by the age of 19 when he debuted for the All Blacks, having already impressed for the All Black Sevens and the Blues. Those instincts would have to be rewired when he confirmed his desire to shift to the midfield in 2020.

In the three years since, Ioane has pieced together the midfield puzzle. The few remaining criticisms have primarily been focused on his distribution skills and instincts. Certain plays in high-stakes moments have seen scoring opportunities go begging when the last pass was needed and Ioane failed to complete the play.

In 2023, Ioane has continued to address his faults and in the weekend’s quarter-final, he put in a performance that displayed just how far his distribution skills have come while reminding everyone that his remarkable pace and physicality remain just as dangerous as ever.

“I thought it was his best performance of the season,” Former All Black Jeff Wilson told The Breakdown. “He looked so sharp every time he got the ball. Accelerating into the outside channel, took the short ball. defensively, really strong.

“I think we’ve been waiting for one of these performances from Rieko and everything is still there. I was really impressed.”

One try assist from his six passes in the game went along with 88 running metres from his 10 carries, including three defenders beaten.

Stats aside, it was the rugby IQ that impressed All Black Sevens legend, Karl Te Nana.

“I think we’re starting to see the evolution of him in the 13 jersey,” he added. “The line running is outstanding, you know the outside break, he’s got that. But it’s the passing and the straightening, there was a couple of touches in small spaces that he really did put players in space and set them up on the outside and that’s where he stood out for me.”

Adding to the good news for All Blacks coach Ian Foster will be how consistent Ioane has been throughout the inconsistency in selection inside him. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Harry Plummer and Bryce Heem have all spent time in the Blues’ No 12 jersey while Ioane has steadied the ship at 13.