“World-class” Ioane eyes All Blacks centre position

Rieko Ioane used to be one of the most destructive wingers in World Rugby, however a recent transition to centre has seen him prosper at the Blues.

The 25-year-old has single-handedly torn opposition sides to shreds with his blistering pace and deceptive step, and can now add reliable defence to his list of impressive qualities.

On Friday night Ioane paired with Blues captain Dalton Papalii to make a try-saving tackle against unmarked Crusaders lock Dominic Gardiner, leaving head coach Leon MacDonald in awe of his growth in the position.

“I think he’s turning into a world-class centre,” MacDonald said on SENZ’s The Bunnings Trade Super Rugby Run.

“I think earlier on, Rieko spent so much time on the wing that it was just about ball carry and now it’s about being in good positions on defence and making good reads.

“He’s working really hard on the breakdown and how he can turn the ball over in the wider channels and all of those things that are really important that midfielders have to be really good at, the bread and butter stuff that we see but a lot of people don’t see.

“So we’ve always known that he’s been good with ball in hand, but now he’s starting to nail the other stuff and he’s taking real pride in that as well.

“I think he’s turning into a really good centre, and I think the way he prepares throughout the week and leads the backline around is a really massive step for us as well, where he has take on that leadership role as well.

“I have no doubt that he could do a really good job for the All Blacks at centre.”

With injuries to several contenders for the centre position across all franchises, Ioane’s peaking form may be enough to book him a place in the All Blacks' starting centre position as internationals roll around later in the year.