In the shifting sands of All Blacks rugby, Rieko Ioane finds himself nudged from the centre to the wing, signaling a strategic pivot under coach Scott Robertson. Former All Blacks standout Stephen Donald suggests that Ioane’s tenure as a test centre could be dwindling, a sentiment echoing through the corridors of New Zealand rugby as the 2025 Test season unfolds.
Under Ian Foster’s regime, Ioane was a pivotal figure in the 13 jersey, but his form has seemingly dipped since Robertson took the reins. Despite being given all of 2024 to cement his position, Ioane was relocated to the wing as the new season approached. Meanwhile, Billy Proctor has been holding the fort in the midfield alongside Jordie Barrett, a partnership that, while still burgeoning at international level, continues to be backed by Robertson.
"The way they’ve made their bed this year as far as the All Blacks coaches go, it looks like they do see him (Ioane) as a winger now,"
Donald commented during a segment on The Aftermatch with Kirst and Beav.
Ioane’s adjustment back to wing play hasn’t been seamless. Following New Zealand's triumph over the Springboks at Eden Park, he found himself outside the primary squad of 23, playing in the National Provincial Championship instead.
As New Zealand gears up to face the Wallabies, all eyes are on the evolving midfield dynamics. Proctor faces a formidable challenge against the Wallabies’ centre pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph Suaalii, the latter of whom has excelled since his transition from rugby league.
"If Aussie get the ball, they’re going to constantly come at you – that’s the way they’re going to play the All Blacks,"
Donald further articulated the looming threat.
Yet, despite the pressure, there is an air of confidence around Proctor’s capabilities and his developing synergy with Barrett. Donald expressed optimism about the duo, stating, "It’s going to be a big ask but I guess they’ve backed the development and the combinations that Billy’s forming around him, and it’s good to see."
With the All Blacks reeling from a recent defeat to the Springboks, Robertson has made notable changes, including appointing Ardie Savea as the new captain, a move that underscores a broader tactical and leadership overhaul as they face formidable international challenges.
All Blacks team against Wallabies: Ardie Savea (captain), Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Len Ikitau, Joseph Suaalii.
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In the shifting sands of All Blacks rugby, Rieko Ioane finds himself nudged from the centre to the wing, signaling a strategic pivot under coach Scott Robertson. Former All Blacks standout Stephen Donald suggests that Ioane’s tenure as a test centre could be dwindling, a sentiment echoing through the corridors of New Zealand rugby as the 2025 Test season unfolds.
Under Ian Foster’s regime, Ioane was a pivotal figure in the 13 jersey, but his form has seemingly dipped since Robertson took the reins. Despite being given all of 2024 to cement his position, Ioane was relocated to the wing as the new season approached. Meanwhile, Billy Proctor has been holding the fort in the midfield alongside Jordie Barrett, a partnership that, while still burgeoning at international level, continues to be backed by Robertson.
"The way they’ve made their bed this year as far as the All Blacks coaches go, it looks like they do see him (Ioane) as a winger now,"
Donald commented during a segment on The Aftermatch with Kirst and Beav.Ioane’s adjustment back to wing play hasn’t been seamless. Following New Zealand's triumph over the Springboks at Eden Park, he found himself outside the primary squad of 23, playing in the National Provincial Championship instead.
As New Zealand gears up to face the Wallabies, all eyes are on the evolving midfield dynamics. Proctor faces a formidable challenge against the Wallabies’ centre pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph Suaalii, the latter of whom has excelled since his transition from rugby league.
"If Aussie get the ball, they’re going to constantly come at you – that’s the way they’re going to play the All Blacks,"
Donald further articulated the looming threat.Yet, despite the pressure, there is an air of confidence around Proctor’s capabilities and his developing synergy with Barrett. Donald expressed optimism about the duo, stating, "It’s going to be a big ask but I guess they’ve backed the development and the combinations that Billy’s forming around him, and it’s good to see."
With the All Blacks reeling from a recent defeat to the Springboks, Robertson has made notable changes, including appointing Ardie Savea as the new captain, a move that underscores a broader tactical and leadership overhaul as they face formidable international challenges.
All Blacks team against Wallabies: Ardie Savea (captain), Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Len Ikitau, Joseph Suaalii.