John Kirwan on why Rieko Ioane must be played in the midfield for the All Blacks | RugbyPass

Former All Blacks stars Jeff Wilson, Mils Miliaina and Sir John Kirwan, as well as ex-Black Ferns midfielder Hannah Porter, have weighed into the debate over who should start in the midfield for New Zealand this year.
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[@rbjohmson77]

I think Reiko is clarly our most gifted attacking back. He has flaws but if I'm Fozzy I'm picking him because I back myself to get the best out of him. I would start him at center and keep him there - even if has a few rough moments. He needs to be groomed for the RWC

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Agree, the guy makes a line break every game he plays, doesn't always use his support after a line break, also needs to start using his other skills, it's a shame the coaches haven't mentioned that to him yet.

[@cassidyjasonduplessis4366]

I woupd rather think that they should keep him on the wing. A back 3 combo of him, Jordan and J. Barret would be deadly on the counter and all three would be secure under the high ball.

[@Trajan2401]

I think Will Jordan is our best back

[@raeessaal7895]

Thanx for backing jordie 👍

[@Samizouza]

The beauty of All Blacks depth in the midfield, loving the debates on the centers dilemma especially on who pairs with ALB.

[@michaeleager4635]

ALB is our best centre at the moment . ( Leicester Faainganuku long term). Either Quinn Tupeia or Havilli at 12.

[@ttoleafoa70]

Tupaea is still wet behind the ears. Solid player but more deserving options than him. Would take him just for experience

[@tearohadiamond8530]

ALB still misses too many tackles

[@Ayoman889]

@@tearohadiamond8530 still the most consistent all blacks 2 five

[@acbalance]

Rico was a 10. as he got older he moved out. He has all the skills for any position. Play him in the midfield.

[@kahutuwhare1947]

Mills says the smartest stuff

[@bobstone9692]

When he said IP what did he mean?

[@kahutuwhare1947]

@@bobstone9692 not sure maybe PI? Pacific Islander? Or intellectual property?

[@Kombo-Chapfika]

The ironic downside of having a ton of depth and no clear 'best players' is that the All Blacks don't seem to have an established center combination like they had with Ma'a Nonu and Ben Smith. That tag team was devastating. There's a creeping habit of playing wingers out of position due to having too many good wings. Good problems to have... until you have to beat comparably talented teams with far more established partnerships and the trickery that begets.

[@jester9998]

Correction, Conrad Smith the one playing center with Nonu. Ben Smith was the fullback. But yeah. Those two was the best center partnership ever in world rugby. And the ABs right now is struggling to have that kind of chemistry or combination they had with Nonu and Smith.

[@maxhart7907]

ABs were spoiled with that combo. Both played for the Canes so they had that connection throughout the season.

[@seanyshepfit]

@@maxhart7907 not a Kiwi but I noticed that in terms of combinations,the ABs seem to do best when they have a mostly Crusaders pack and Canes backline. In 2015 4/7 backs were from the Canes and half the pack were from the Saders

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@seanyshepfit At the moment the Canes may have 2 backs certain to make the AB squad, they have great players but no one that stands out to take the midfield spot.

[@J.Cubbin]

I'm a big Rieko fan. Have watched every minute of every game he's played this year. No doubt ALB has been outstanding. Rieko may end up on the bench or slotting in at wing. But I think he for sure gotta be in the team. Can't leave him out.

[@canadiancontent352]

Not a good distributor

[@networkn]

I am not a fan really, I wouldn't even have him on the field unless he was on wing. He wants to move to the midfield but his really only significant contribution is his speed and size. The AB's like fast strong wingers. For the midfield, almost every midfielder currently playing is better in the other elements in my opinion. If he could also stop dropping the ball that would help.

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Makes a line break every game he plays.

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@davidrieger8816 Ennor got monstered in the midfield by Waratahs, still not at his best form yet.

[@livisornedelcu9631]

Not so sure. I am big fan of him but some new faces are pushing hard

[@NateMulder]

Rieko's been getting better, I believe his stats in SR TT and SR NZ 2021 are the best among all centers across each team. I would run ALB starting with him on bench at 23 so they could put him at wing if needed.

[@coolstorybro2703]

Fck up, he’s been shit all year. Can’t catch the ball 😴

[@tearohadiamond8530]

He does have the best stats this year.

[@weekend_sports]

9. Smith 10. Mo'unga 11. Ioane 12. Havili 13. ALB 14. Reece 15. J Barrett BB off the Bench

[@M_Luahiva]

Hello 🙋🏾‍♂️ RTS is onwayz

[@MrDannyt06]

Thank God we dont have to play the Springboks anymore. They havent had much rugby but their depth at the moment is incredible.

[@mrpauli8944]

Depth as in quota?

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@mrpauli8944 they have a massive talent pool.

[@MrDannyt06]

@REBEL LION Lets bet mate, Im a pro trader so Im in. Springboks 2-1

[@Andy_M986]

Their Bulls team just got spanked by Benneton, if that's a sign of how well they are positioned, then it may not be a walk in the park for them.

[@Joe-bo]

12. Havili 13. ALB End of discussion.

[@zabaleta66]

I'm with JK on this. Lienert-Brown at 2nd 5 with Havili off the bench.

[@maneeshdeva]

Enor?

[@cordlxze9559]

@@maneeshdeva No he’s not good

[@canadiancontent352]

ALB is a great 13. Ioane is a terrible distributor.

[@ttoleafoa70]

@@canadiancontent352 That’s not true at all. His distributing at 13. He sets up his wings for line breaks heaps of times. He knows how to work that outside channel and he always fixes his man

[@ttoleafoa70]

@@cordlxze9559 You’re joking

[@leonchristensen1765]

He was the best left winger on the planet at one stage, then he went missing. We’d be a lot better off if he just went back to being that. Unsure where this fascination with centre came from but it’s disrupting any cohesion we may have had before that. Our midfield has had way too many combos of late. Lock two in and stick with them.

[@camwells9726]

I think injuries have played it’s part too, , since Conrad and nonu, I think initially they had sbw and Crotty as their first choice . But those two were always injured . And from there it became a revolving door and hasn’t stopped.

[@cassidyjasonduplessis4366]

@@camwells9726 I think in the 2019 RWC, AB's best 12 was Crotty and outside him they could've played ALB or Goodhue

[@mikevanniekerk312]

My backline would be 09. Smith 10. Mo'unga 11. Ioane 12. Havili 13. Lienert-Brown 14. Jordan 15. Barrett 21. Weber 22. Ennor 23. McKenzie

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Not bad, I would still have BB on the bench though.

[@ayahdlutu4920]

BB benching. Mckenzie in at 15. Clarke at 22.

[@ayahdlutu4920]

And Ngani at 13.

[@lennox.6447]

@@ayahdlutu4920 Ngani gone

[@ReyBeats]

Id rather have Reece than Jordan at 14🤷🏾‍♂️

[@mikedangerdoes]

Bit of a debate between how important some of those off-contract guys are to their Super team vs how important to the ABs. Weber: super important to the Chiefs but (with the re-signing of Perenara and his own age creeping up) possibly not as valuable, long term, to the ABs. Cane: hard to say just how much mana he has with the Chiefs and ABs and that will probably be crucial in deciding what kind of contract he gets. Mackenzie: could they be the chiefs without him and Weber? But I'm just not sold on him at International level, even as cover on the bench. So do you want to splash out on your third utility back when we've got a half dozen star fullbacks waiting for their shot? Even as cover for ten I'd like to see some of these other guys putting in the effort get a shot, like Mitch Hunt or Otere Black. Savea: This one's pretty easy. Still a massive contributor in Super Rugby and with the ABs, still got years on the clock, still relatively injury-free. Just a matter of whether you can convince him to sign on since he's expressed a desire to look around. Taylor: no question here how important this guy is at all levels. No one wants him to leave, don't let him think he isn't appreciated, pay the man and let's move on.

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Taylor yes Cane No too many injuries and past his prime Webber no, hasn't shown his best form this year, other young players are showing good form and quality. Dmac yes, still young and has shown to be a top performer, maybe not a genuine 10 at international level. Ardie maybe, starting to get a lot of injuries like Cane, hes still got some left in the tank, but there's so much talented loosies coming through the system now. And some have been showing better form than both Ardie and Cane.

[@geedub_-9953]

10. Barrett 11. Will Jordan 12. Anton LB 13. Reiko 14. Jordy Barrett 15. Dmac Mounga off the bench as strike player in last 20 how beaudy use to do it

[@YTho-ev1ej]

13 is the most important defensively and the hardest position to defend at. Reiko’s defence is questionable and if it’s not up to par then he will get exposed. I think it could be good to put him off the bench but his defence is a worry for sure

[@tearohadiamond8530]

I'm more concerned by all the missed tackles ALB made this year for the Chiefs that lead to tries and also the display last year when Petaia cut both ALB and Goodhue up in the midfield against the ABs.

[@YTho-ev1ej]

@@tearohadiamond8530 that’s fair criticism but I’m going off of what I saw at test level. ALB played well and Reiko got exposed. I still think he’d be a good centre but the best for the role I am doubtful. I think ALB has better playmaking ability and game management from what I can see as well. Reiko’s running ability is second to none but there’s more to being a centre than that. Hopefully I’m proven wrong but I guess we’ll see

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@YTho-ev1ej ALB actually got cut up by Petaiia last year as did a few other ABs.

[@Erock1275]

This did not age well.. Rieko had a 96% tackle success rate for internationals last year.

[@georgewhite8242]

Let the likes of Rieko & Leicester compete for the 13 jersey, wanna see the choc man Jona Nareki get a shot at 11 🙏

[@Patrick8804]

Nareki was ready for the ABs two years ago, but because he's from Otago it takes him a couple of more years to get noticed.

[@sunnysamuel5215]

Nah nareki I assure u won't be getting in,hes not that good.

[@Navigator_Isle]

He should just play for Fiji, this idea of playing for AB's is just broken promises that the AB managers like to feed into the pacific Island players, then all those years wasted they could have played for their island country. So many good pacific Island players being led on and never getting their shot 😩

[@commoner477]

@@Navigator_Isle he can't play for Fiji he's already repped nz in 7s and under 20s level

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@sunnysamuel5215 BS

[@nickrad6966]

Havili / ALB is too close to the Goodhue /ALB partnership at the WC which was too lateral and didn’t have the big carrier. Havili & Fainga’anuku combination at the Crusaders has looked the most effective, but how do you leave ALB out…

[@seanyshepfit]

Havili will be 23. Great bench option due to versatility.

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Easy. He actually had a few good games this year which is better than the last 3 years but still missed a lot of tackles that led to at least 4 tries this year to the opposition

[@Andy_M986]

Zarn Sullivan is the 15 for the Blues,that kid is a special talent. Forget about Jordy.

[@hansdessureault7632]

I think the run first tendencies of Richie makes it harder for a playmaker to play at 12. Beside Beauden who could be a bit more passive than Richie, Havili would be much more effective. You’re likely looking at having to play ALB or another thicker and more direct 12 off of Richie. If Richie was a bit bigger and stronger, him at 12 would be fantastic but that’s not really possible to grow 3 inches as an adult haha

[@tearohadiamond8530]

If it were possible to make Tupaea and Havilii into one player that would probably fix the problem but again thats not possible either lol

[@seanyshepfit]

Mils makes the most valid point. There are plenty of options but they all play the same way, that's why there's no good combination cause there's no balance.

[@canadiancontent352]

Laumape is a big loss

[@cassidyjasonduplessis4366]

I tend to disagree with that statement. One player who stands out amongst the rest is ALB and he has been performing for years now. Every week he puts in a huge shift; whether it be for the Chiefs or the AB's, he makes sure he gets the job done. Very good on attack. Maybe he isn't the try scoring machine Ioane is, but he's the guy that creates so many opportunities for the players around him and on defense he is outstanding, I would say second only to Am. So that's why I say that he definitely stands head and shoulders above the rest.

[@dariankrieger4813]

Please build a Rico Jordie center combination with experience these guys will be devastating

[@Andy_M986]

Eklund must be due for a call up,he's had a ripper season so far.

[@delsar1523]

Definitely the best center in the game atm

[@david_fisilau7817]

semi radradra

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@david_fisilau7817 I would Radradra is definitely up there with the best, if not the best, awesome player.

[@tipihihi]

Funny how politics in team selection never really changes. Media pushes agendas around who they think should play and in what position. When did Goodhue be our number one choice going forward. Other players such as Barrettes, Cane have been found wanting numerous times and yet don't seem to fall far from the tree of coach and selectors. Other players rich in form and talent have to jump through hoops of fire or thrown to curb for those who fit the model. All black jerseys should be earnt and not a give in.

[@hmmahlahbahhhhhhhhhhhh2123]

9. Smith 10. Mounga 11. Ioane 12. Havili 13. ALB 14. Reece 15. Jordie

[@networkn]

I don't disagree, but pretty tough to be missing Beaden :)

[@hmmahlahbahhhhhhhhhhhh2123]

@@networkn this line-up is if beauden wasn't available. I would bring him off the bench tbh

[@dalerapata4016]

Looks good i reckon tupaea at 12 would be cool maybe jordan at 15

[@iomaalo5596]

Gotta play them at their real position like Mas Nonu I reckon

[@camwells9726]

Nonu was mostly a 13 , and the Allblacks converted him into a 12 when mauger and McAllister left .

[@markopoloasia]

Was JK a great coach? Maybe that's why

[@ttoleafoa70]

Where you ever one? Okay so shut up

[@markopoloasia]

@@ttoleafoa70 Were*. Yes, 10 plus years. No, JK is overly biased to Auckland to a level of cringe. Hats off to JW!

[@ttoleafoa70]

@@markopoloasia 10 plus years where? In your local mud rugby club. Please. You know jack shit.

[@bigblue390]

@@ttoleafoa70 im not a good coach so i can say based on my experience jk aint either

[@ttoleafoa70]

@@bigblue390 Have you coached a Super Rugby team? No. Based on your amateur experience. Your opinion means fuck all. This is pro rugby he was coaching. Possibly the toughest club rugby tournament. In the world. Stay in your lane

[@iallso1]

JK is right Rieko Ioane should specialise in one position only, unfortunately if that is at center he won't be getting many more AB caps, because he simply isn't the best center in the country.

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Nor is ALB, no one actually stands out as the best, each contributes in different areas of their game but none show an around world class skill set. Havilli comes close but still can't run the hard lines like Tupaea or Laumape, so the dilemma continues.

[@tomamituanai9760]

Rico Ioane for no 13👍

[@isaakosopoaga6847]

Reiko is a winger full stop. Fainga’anuku / Liernet-Brown is the AB’s Centre pairing to stabilize the backline for the tests ahead.

[@tamaolenuutoln2537]

Nah he’s the right man for centre. You can’t have Leicester as a crash centre at 13. His distribution skills aren’t international standard. It works because of the Saders system.

[@0_2_100_GAMING]

Ahh just bring in TVS to center already

[@user-oo4zo8yy5u]

RTS and Ioane at 12 and 13

[@gumbootcity_nz8453]

Let's play a game!! Different teams in any hemisphere? Different Sport? 🤔 For now imma keep it simple and go with the most dominant Rugby nation in history 🖤🙄😴 Yes England is the home of Rugby but New Zealand is the Spiritual Home of Rugby🔥🤙 Here's my picks😂 Microphone DROP ⬇️🎤⬇️ *Greatest AB 1st 15* 1. Tony Woodcock 2. Sean Fitzpatrick 3. Olo Brown 4. Colin Meads 5. Brodie Retalick 6. Jerry Collins 7. Ritchie McCaw 8. Zinzane Brooke 9. Aaron Smith 10. Dan Carter 11. Jonah Lomu 12. Ma'a Nonu 13. Frank Bunce 14. Doug Howlett 15. Christian Cullen *Greatest AB 2nd 15* 1. Carl Hayman 2. Dane Coles 3. Owen Franks 4. Sam Whitelock 5. Brad Thorn 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Michael Jones 8. Buck Shelford 9. Sid Going 10. Grant Fox 11. Joe Rokococo 12. Tana Umaga 13. Conrad Smith 14. John Kirwan 15. Ben Smith *Greatest AB 3rd 15* 1. Ken Gray 2. Kevin Mealamu 3. Wilson Whineray 4. Chris Jack 5. Ian Jones 6. Brian Lochore/Waka Nathan 7. Josh Kronfeild 8. Kieran Read 9. Justin Marshall 10. Andrew Mertains 11. Julian Savea 12. Joe Stanley 13. Walter Little 14. Jeff Wilson/Bryan Williams 15. Mils Muliaina/George Nepia *Greatest Māori ABs* 1. Joe Moody 2. Dane Coles 3. Carl Hayman 4. Robin Brooke 5. Waka Nathan 6. Buck Shelford 7. Liam Messam 8. Zinzane Brooke 9. Aaron Smith/Piri Weepu 10. Carlos Spencer 11. Caleb Ralph/Norm Berryman 12. Luke McCalister 13. Bill Osborne 14. Rico Gear 15. Israel Dagg/George Nepia *Greatest Polynesian ABs* 1. Charlie Faumuina 2. Kevin Mealamu 3. Olo Brown 4. Sione Lauaki 5. Rodney Soialo 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Ardie Savea 8. Jerry Colins 9. Graeme Bachop 10. Richie Mo'unga 11. Jonah Lomu 12. Ma'a Nonu 13. Tana Umaga 14. Julian Savea 15. Mils Muliaina Greatest Hurricanes 15🤣✌️💪💛 1. Bull Allen 2. Dane Coles 3. Nemia Tialata 4. Jeremy Thrush 5. Dion Waller 6. Jerry Colins 7. Ardie Savea 8. Rodney Soialo 9. TJ Perenara 10. Beaden Barrett 11. Jonah Lomu 12. Ma'a Nonu 13. Tana Umaga 14. Julian Savea 15. Christian Cullen 16. Gordon Slater 17. Andrew Hore 18. Jason Eaton 19. Chris Masoe 20. Piri Weepu 21. Jimmy Goppath 22. Conrad Smith 23. Cory Jane

[@Navigator_Isle]

It was just a matter of time before the AB's would be scrambled to make a decision on first pick players, forcing a quick turnaround which is terrible for a players legacy. This is why pacific Island players need to start playing for their pacific country. Let's even the level playing field 🇼🇸🇹🇴🇫🇯

[@damo9961]

Yeah and get paid nothing while a corrupt island rfu takes what little money they generate.

[@Navigator_Isle]

@@damo9961 Manu Samoa use to have sponsors, I remember the Pumas use to sponsor them. It's not that difficult to sponsor a team that has so many overseas support, and with the fat corrupt prime minister/rugby chairman about to step down, we could be looking at the start of a New and Improved Samoan team. You should be more supportive instead of think negative, you must not want Samoa to thrive lol

[@MusMasi]

new zealand is a pacific island country too.

[@Navigator_Isle]

@@MusMasi Geographically speaking yes, but they're part of the British monarch if you want to get technical.

[@ttoleafoa70]

@@damo9961 That’s just one country.

[@malcolmmahwire3743]

Havilli’s a good player, but he just can’t play at 12. He’s too stingy for a 12 and brings in the same Laumape vibe so I don’t see why they let Ngani go 🤷🏽

[@nifokoula1]

No way - ALB all the way

[@hansdessureault7632]

I think you let Cane and Webber walk here. You’ve already committed to Aaron Smith and TJ, get a young man in and groomed like Finlay. As for Cane, well he’s not a top 5 flanker now anyways. Ardie, DMac and Taylor are must haves though. Ardie has to start at 7 or 8, Codie has to start at 2 and DMac is a Richie Mo insurance policy.

[@mikedangerdoes]

Yeah, I guess you'd have to have a really hard conversation about what Cane brings to the team outside of gameplay. I think those sorts of intangibles are worth considering but there's such a surge of talent coming through in the loose-forward stocks that it would have to be pretty immense stuff. And I also think it's worth noting that a lot of people said McCaw was done between world cups but as his game evolved he proved the doubters wrong. However, in Cane's case, I don't think he was ever that exceptional. He's been good, but possibly not good enough to justify all the breaks he gets.

[@hansdessureault7632]

@@davidrieger8816 it’ll be a hard decision as to who gets the nod for 8 and 6. Papalii, Ioane, Sotutu, Blackadder, Tuipolutu/Barrett if you want an extra lock, Frizell, Tu’U. It’ll be one seriously hard contest. Probably just go Sotutu 8, Ardie 7, Papalii 6 tbh but who knows.

[@hansdessureault7632]

@@davidrieger8816 I’d agree with the 7/8 combo but the 6 is pretty up for grabs. Frizzell hasn’t been bad so idk if you take him out of the shirt yet, but there’s easily 10 flankers that are international quality right now. Makes me feel terrible for guys like Boshier that are outside looking in but are amazing players.

[@ttoleafoa70]

@@davidrieger8816 Ardie is one of if not the best 8 in World Rugby. He doesn’t need size. That’s a stupid excuse because his size isn’t limiting his impact at 8 at all. Maybe as a lineout option but he gets up well and is 188cm. And there is a blindside option

[@ttoleafoa70]

@@mikedangerdoes Cane was exceptional. Possibly the best tackler to ever grace the ABs 7 shirt. He’s just pure work rate. And he’s not flashy which some people view as “not exceptional”. I agree though that his injuries has taken a toll on him. And this year he’s still good but is not in the top three best openside flankers in the country. Last year even he topped tackling and turnover stats for the All Blacks, with two tries which was immense. But prime Sam Cane would’ve done way more. He is the record tackler for NZ, Not even Mccaw contends.

[@FriendsandFam]

RTS will be the third man in the midfield for the next World Cup

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Let's see how he goes first, definitely has the ability to be the best.

[@magnumpi8097]

Reiko ain't no centre, there are other good centres. He's much better at wing.

[@matthewwaaka5983]

I would pick Michael Collins over Reiko

[@sunnysamuel5215]

I'm glad your not the selector then,shitter

[@seanyshepfit]

Good super rugby player that does a job but come on 😂🤦

[@d_uzooo3972]

Fark outta herre😂

[@tearohadiamond8530]

I get where you're coming from but I would actually go back a few years earlier to a time when Highlanders had some better players, Matt Faddes and Richard Buckman ring a bell?

[@d_uzooo3972]

@@tearohadiamond8530 yeah I remember them! But I think in that time there were too many good centres ahead of them! Solid players tho

[@matthewwaaka5983]

Silly, Reiko is not and will never be a midfielder. He is a winger, he scores out wide. His defence at midfield is shocking and he's not a good distributor and his awareness isn't up to the standards of a decent centre. ALB is a great 13 he should be our 13 with Havili at 12!!!

[@ronjeremy6128]

Agree. Well said that man

[@d_uzooo3972]

Don’t know what u watching! Rieko has worked on those areas from last year and looking more like a 13. By far the quickest in the team and only will get better with combinations- (ALB at 12)

[@ttoleafoa70]

His defense has massively improved this year. And I wouldn’t say 16 try assists and multiple line break assists is bad distribution. Him and Laumape had the best attacking stats for all centres in Super Rugby Aotearoa. Metres, line breaks, defenders beaten. Although Laumape has 13 try assists

[@ttoleafoa70]

Just say you want ALB at 13. No need to pull some bs out of your ass

[@zacharystone8817]

@@ttoleafoa70 also has the most dropped balls this year. 4 knock ons in one half against rebels lol

[@jaseandavis5497]

Rieko hasn’t been able to show his potential because who he has at fly half look at every other center who has a Richie a McKenzie the list goes on

[@tearohadiamond8530]

In a way you're kind of right but Reiko has had opportunities to expand his game, it does annoy me a little because Otere always takes an extra step that's not needed before he makes a pass, if he excuted his pass even half a step earlier, it would create more space for Reiko and co.

[@jaseandavis5497]

@@tearohadiamond8530 thank you I do agree he has work ons like defense and more commuting the defenders to put others into space

[@perahauraki2985]

My pick so far.. a bit tricky though. Need one more...? 9. Smith 10. Mo’unga 11. Ioane 12. Havili 13. Leinert-Brown 14. Barrett, J 15. McKenzie 21. Barrett, B 22. Jordan 23. ??

[@FREE_SKAPA9]

Fainganuku

[@RandySavageization]

lol Jordan at 22

[@forexman4894]

To late to develop should've had our best combos set by now

[@ryanmurphy2610]

Yep, 2 yrs out from a world cup, everything should be set in stone.

[@keza41]

Yep, I’ve said it before but Foster(spit) needs to picks his midfield combo and play them week in, week out until the WC. Obviously against minnows you can give opportunities to others but we should start every test with our best combo.

[@Ayoman889]

Jack goodhue wasn’t injured there would be a combos

[@keza41]

@@Ayoman889 yeah but Goodhue is not really a natural 12. He's a 13 but Foster likes ALB there. He needs to swap them around... I reckon.

[@cascade3769]

@forex man *Too

[@seanyshepfit]

Kirwan makes valid points but his Auckland bias is unbelievable 🤦

[@yehbuddy1005]

Let me guess ....... your a cantab ?

[@seanyshepfit]

@@yehbuddy1005 nope

[@AdamM7796]

As a Munster Fan, Codie Taylor would be a dream signing I'd love if we could take him for a year

[@tearohadiamond8530]

No

[@matthewfrans9930]

Jordie Berret would be excelent at 12. I think his strong in defence and can put runners away will long arms. My 1st choice will be Leicester.

[@xavierbeukes1854]

Please no Havili. He cant even throw a left handed pass. He has cost the Crusaders a place in the final as he never passes.

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Who dropped the ball in open space to the try line? Havili or Ennor?

[@xavierbeukes1854]

@@tearohadiamond8530 Havili doesnt pass a ball, and even when he passes its not the desired pass. He is not a midfielder and we as All Blacks will be exposed surely. Hoping Anton LB gets back sooner rather then later.

[@nickrad6966]

Fainga’anuku already has much better distribution, handling and offloading in contact than Rieko. He’s the better prospect at centre, Rieko is suited to the wing imo. He suffocated Caleb Clarke this year and just carried whenever he got the ball.

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Clark had opportunities and I think hes a great player, but your argument doesn't make a lot of sense, I thought the same thing too, but then Clarke left and the wingers like Lam and Telea started scoring tries immediately, so maybe it wasn't all Reikos fault because the wingers for Blues have had an immediate impact since Clark left. Same thing happened in the ABs last year, Clark had a few opportunities to score but I think he may have only scored one or 2 tries last year as an AB, then someone like Jordan gets 15minutes and scores 2 tries?

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@davidrieger8816 I think I would have him on the wing, might need some more time before making a permanent shift to FB.

[@ibelieve1468]

He is not a centre! Neither is Havili. Biggest issue this team has.

[@Trajan2401]

But he was already tried there a couple of times and didn't we still lose

[@matthewh7234]

His decision making is not nearly good enough especially his distribution. Needs to go back to wing.

[@zabaleta66]

Disagree, his distribution has been fine but it's got to be remembered that Rieko is primarily a runner so he's always going to be going harder at half gaps then others. The ball doesn't often die with him, if he doesn't bust the line, someone else will be coming hard off him.

[@zacharystone8817]

@@zabaleta66 the ball often does die with him because he drops it

[@d_uzooo3972]

@@zacharystone8817 get over 2020 mate! Rieko Ioane is by far the quickest and he’s a player that can do something outta nothing

[@ttoleafoa70]

16 try assists. And he puts people into holes multiple times. You must not watch the Blues that often.

[@theclearys6704]

1) Brown 2)Reiko 3)havili

[@divanhuysamer5343]

Salesi Rayasi deserves a go.

[@sunnysamuel5215]

No he doesnt

[@divanhuysamer5343]

@@sunnysamuel5215 Sorry... Should have added: "in my opinion" AND "on wing (in place of Caleb Clarke)"

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@sunnysamuel5215 yes he does, he been an absolute gem on the left wing for the Hurricanes.

[@sunnysamuel5215]

@@tearohadiamond8530 Well he won't not with sevu Reeve and Reiko Ioane around

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@sunnysamuel5215 debatable, all depends on how many outside backs get picked in the squad, last year I think they picked 3 proper wingers although some covered other positions.

[@darrylgrey7184]

Again stop under estimating fiji JK this isn't 2011 anymore , fiji ain't gonna be easy just ask the wallabies

[@qcthesxientist]

man fiji can't get most of there players till world cups half the time and covids just gonna make it worse.

[@joshnewboyz]

I dont see Ioane in the midfueld cz he cover too much space to take a breakthrough...giving no chance for a winger..if only he is a good offload than there is a possibility.

[@faustinot9313]

Clarke n reiko

[@petaiaseiuli5571]

John Kirwan is a failed coach don't take him seriously 🤦‍♂️😂

[@sunnysamuel5215]

Anyone that coaches the blues is a failed coach

[@ttoleafoa70]

At least he was a coach. Not a couch coach like you. No one will take you seriously👀

[@darthmong7196]

What do the successful coaches say?

[@cascade3769]

@@sunnysamuel5215 Your comment didn't age well.

[@sunnysamuel5215]

@@cascade3769 Yeah spoke to early😔Well done blues happy for u guys👍

[@Patookacrep763]

10. Beaudie 11. Ioane 12. Jordie 13. ALB 14. Reece 15. Will Jordan You’re welcome!!

[@israelhm7339]

I hope this is what happens but I think they’ll end up putting Richie at 10 and Beaudie at 15. The selectors seem to have forgotten Beaudie was world player of the year two years in a row and are intent on playing Richie as the 10 even if it means putting Beaudie in 15. Really hope Beaudie is the 10 again because the AB’s were unstoppable with him there

[@Patookacrep763]

@@israelhm7339 I agree. Richie probably is a better flyhalf than Beaudie but when Beaudie played 10, straight magic 🧙‍♂️🤣 I’m a Wallabies supporter and it just isn’t that scary when Richie is 10 for ABs as opposed to Beaudie 😳 as for super rugby, Richie at 10 is a nightmare 🤣

[@RandySavageization]

yeah def the back 3 and jordie at 12 is worth a shot tbh.

[@martytoto1004]

No way Rieko is a center I agree with Hannah & Mils JK it's an Auckland thing What about the young guy who's developing at a steady pace Quin Tupaea but at present ALB Havillli combo with Ennor agree Goldy Ennor a natural center Reiko no natural center

[@booey28]

Another hype train

[@junioreruera7405]

Just give the crusaders the abs back line jersey s because they clearly showed they the best five straight world titles about to win the trans Tasman 10 moanga 12 David havili 13 Leicester fainga'anuku that's what needs to happen

[@Ayoman889]

Alb will make over fainga’anuku

[@brucefale6132]

Problem is lady, Reiko has never been a power winger. Elusive, wiry fast winger but never has been a power winger. Don't know which Reiko you've been watching.

[@ttoleafoa70]

He’s powerful for his size. Have you seen him on the crash ball? He bowled over 2 guys which included Lienert-Brown. He’s not as aggressive, but he’s powerful nonetheless

[@brucefale6132]

@@ttoleafoa70 two guys...wow. How many tries have you seen him score on the wing where he's run over people? Compared to how many tries he's scored by eluding them or just burning them with pure pace? I think you'll find there's a very big difference.

[@qcthesxientist]

riekos not the clarke or noholo type who get metres after the tackle but he runs alot of close lines and breaks tackles with speed not illusivness unlike a guy like reece or jordan.

[@ttoleafoa70]

@@brucefale6132 Not many. But still doesn’t change the fact that he bumped off Anton Lienert Brown🤷🏽‍♂️ And the fact that he made 30+ tackle busts this year. Just look at the stats in the video. Doesn’t matter how he scored those tries. What matters is that he’s powerful and he can tap into that. The only difference is that he prefers to use his agility and speed. He’s not that aggressive but if it comes down to it he’ll carry hard over the gain line.

[@ttoleafoa70]

@@qcthesxientist He does get metres after the tackle. Not as much as Clarke or Naholo but if you watch any Blues game and see him on the crash ball he’ll get you some metres. He’s 188cm and 102kgs. He’s a big boy. Doesn’t look like it but he’s heavy

[@charlespc8855]

What about Beauden Barrett at 12?

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Defense

[@MeanAzz_13]

J.K's the oldest yet still looks better & hip than baldy and Mills.

[@christiantasidaily]

“Hip” lmao

[@MeanAzz_13]

@@christiantasidaily oh I knew some 15 year old Millennial would spot that word lol sorry I meant "skux" 😂😂😂

[@Tokoa144]

Nah.. Reiko is not a centre so leave him on the wing. ALB and Braden Ennor with D.Havili cover centre.. Even Stephenson from the Chiefs is a better choice than Reiko at centre. Leave the specialists alone JK..

[@tearohadiamond8530]

Stevenson? Seriously? He's a great player but he loses confidence in himself too quickly, he will go well for the NZ Maori team though, they will have a very good backline.

[@tearohadiamond8530]

😂😂the same Ennor that dropped the ball today that would have sealed Crusaders fate in the final. Lucky there will be another chance for him next year, that's if Faianganuku doesn't take his spot.

[@Tokoa144]

@@tearohadiamond8530 - You contradict yourself.. 1st you say Stephensons no good, then you say he'll do well for the Maori A/B's...what are you really saying? And as for Ennor yesterday.. give the guy a break, he wasn't the only one who missed opportunity and he's been injured for while. You just like to reacting..The Crusaders still thrashed them and we'll get to enjoy the Blues & Highlanders final.. So wipe that tutai off your chin, you're talking dribble..

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@Tokoa144 Stevenson will do well for the NZ Maori because they won't pick him as a centre, as a wing or Full back yes, the centres if not picked by the ABs will be Tupaea and Nankevill, with Wainui probably in the mix too.

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@Tokoa144 nah Enor is a good player but still far from his best form 2 years ago, looks like you got something around your lips too.

[@MarkWhippy]

Reiko has no passing game though. He's botched tries for the Blues because of it.

[@ttoleafoa70]

Nope. He’s set up multiple line breaks because of it. And he’s got 16 try assists so that smells like bullshit to me.

[@bikesnippets]

Reiko needs to go back out onto the wing.

[@zacharystone8817]

rieko is overrated af. havili and alb should be the midfield

[@mohl3208]

F alb.

[@Navigator_Isle]

Probably why the AB's lost the world cup is because they chose not to play Rieko against England so wtf are you on about 😂

[@commoner477]

@@Navigator_Isle probably a rieko burner ac

[@zacharystone8817]

@@Navigator_Isle bro r u serious. we lost to england in the world cup because of our forward pack lmfao. Rieko Ioane was shit in 2019 as well thats why he got dropped for bridge and reece

[@Navigator_Isle]

@@zacharystone8817 Nah mate talk to the hand ✋

[@brianholt8575]

Has Irwin been drinking

[@matthewfrans9930]

From Africa I am sure the Crusaders 13 would be my next All blks 12. Blks will need a srrong linebraker at 12 lik him who will be strong on defence and make turnovers in that position. One of the reasons the nlks lost in semi of WC 2019 was their backs from 9 to 12 were soft defenders.

[@tearohadiamond8530]

More like 9 to 15. They had no strong ball carriers and no dominant tacklers in the backline.

[@TheJiggamah]

Kirwan just wants anyone in the Blues in the team... Iaone isn't it sorry

[@ronjeremy6128]

Kirwans sometimes got some good ideas but his JAFFA roots totally blind him. Ioani is lazy and appears quite thick or shall we say a few sandwiches short of a picnic. I wouldn't have him in the reserves either. Maybe Damian McKenzie just scrapes into the reserves ahead of him

[@thefobbieii2888]

So let me get this straight - according to you: 1) Kirwan knows nothing about rugby because he is an Aucklander 2) Ioane is not a centre because he is lazy and not smart 3) McKenzie should be ahead of Ioane on the reserve bench! YET you have NOT made one single technical point on rugby - well done!

[@user-eo7gl4yq2u]

@@thefobbieii2888 I do agree -JK is bias towards Auckland and Ioane is often lazy or lacks rugby IQ in defence.

[@sportsopinion.3645]

John Kirwan is not a coach no dis respect why Ioane runs with blinkers he can't seem to link up at the critical times he is a winger at best, he just hits the hammer gets isolated or doesn't see support runners inside or out, watch for yourself he panics when he runs he needs to slow down and look at his options around him game awareness,

[@pappagallagher2227]

This is exactly why JK is terrible coach

[@michaelironside8707]

Zero defensive organisational skills, gets caught out way too often in defense and doesn't have the IQ to play in the midfield on the international sage, can barely command the 11 jersey so no use theorising if he should be the next centre.

[@ttoleafoa70]

Do you happen to coach the Blues or something? No use theorizing from your keyboard

[@tearohadiamond8530]

So does ALB

[@evangelist6277]

Losing Laumape leaves a big hole

[@loue-black]

This Showboater [RI] should be shown the back door...He's already proved to be a liability

[@100ccollier]

Jk oh the blues coach that failed. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@danmcgivern4057]

Plenty of other Blues' coaches failed.

[@100ccollier]

@@danmcgivern4057 yeah that’s right JK was on the bottom of that list. Worst stats. Only winning 17/58 games. 🤫

[@Vae07]

Put him on the bench

[@bertplank8011]

Kirwan needs to dump those horn rimmed glasses....and stop calling Mills...MILLS Woolley Hyena that joke has worn thin.

[@handeltaufalele759]

9 A Smith 10 R Mo'unga 12 D Havili 13 ALB 14 R 'Ioane 11 S Reece 15 J Barrett

[@pupenti8861]

Looking for the video where JK must stfu. 👀

[@georginapaki9328]

Nah

[@dimitricaras8249]

I don’t think he should be in the all blacks at all

[@dboy6579]

stop it

[@dimitricaras8249]

I’d really take Scott Gregory over rieko

[@Thegrumpycoach]

@@dimitricaras8249 elaborate please ?add some substance to your opinion or statement.

[@damo9961]

@@Thegrumpycoach Why? Why does he have to? To please you? Lol.

[@zacharystone8817]

@@Thegrumpycoach watch his 2021 season. dropped ball after dropped ball. rarely passes on overlaps or at all. gives away penalties. Bad reads on defense. He is extremely overrated at center and should go back to wing.

[@speak_your_truth.]

tried it, he was poor

[@forexman4894]

Reiko is over rated

[@ttoleafoa70]

The stats say otherwise

[@cullyx2913]

🤡

[@lociity2am668]

Stats say otherwise lol

[@redneckReno]

why is everybody enamored with Rieko Ioane....OVERRATED!!!

[@ttoleafoa70]

Because he was one of the leading centres in stats this year. Metres, line breaks, defenders beaten, even try assists. Look it up for yourself. Or just watch a game for once

[@tearohadiamond8530]

@@ttoleafoa70 some just don't get it, hes been good in a time of NZ rugby when no other NZ centre has put their hand up to say they are any better.

[@rhyswilliams8966]

Fiji lose by 12