Akira Ioane the latest former All Black named for Manu Samoa debut

Akira Ioane has been named to make his potential Test debut for Manu Samoa against Portugal in round five of the World Rugby Nations Cup.

The 31-year-old brings 21 Tests of experience with the All Blacks to a Manu Samoa team that his father, Eddie Ioane, once played for. Akira has also competed in 14 Sevens tournaments with the All Blacks Sevens, many alongside his younger brother, All Blacks flyer Rieko Ioane.

The loose forward ended his 118-cap Blues career after lifting the Super Rugby Pacific trophy in 2024, and has been in Japan with the Kinetsu Liners since. He last represented the All Blacks in November 2022.

The 196 cm, 123 kg Auckland product can make his debut off the bench against Portugal, who have lost just one Test in the Nations Cup and boast the second-best defence in the competition. Samoa head coach Lemalu Tusiata Pisi has opted for a 6-2 bench split, with veteran loose forward Alamanda Motuga joining Ioane in the impact unit.

Samuel Slade has also come onto the bench in the No.19 jersey, replacing Chris Gabriel, while Ioane’s inclusion pushes Duncan Paia’aua out of the matchday team.

Meanwhile, in the starting XV, the coach has the luxury of perfect continuity after suffering no injuries in the 43-7 win over Zimbabwe last weekend. All 15 starters have been retained for the Portugal clash.

Samoa currently sit second in Pool A, despite a better points differential than the unbeaten USA above them. Tusiata Pisi’s team cannot afford to lose either of their last two games if they are to usurp the USA atop the Pool A table for an inaugural Nations Cup crown.

Manu Samoa team to play Portugal

1. Scott Sio
2. Richie Asiata
3. Michael Alaalatoa
4. Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee
5. Theodore McFarland
6. Miracle Faiilagi
7. Niko Jones
8. Abraham Papali’i
9. Connor Tupa’i
10. Jacob Umaga
11. AJ Lam
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen
13. Lalomilo Lalomilo
14. Latrell Ah Kiong
15. Shaun Stevenson

Reserves

16. Sama Malolo
17. Aki Seiuli
18. Tietie Tuimauga
19. Samuel Slade
20. Akira Ioane*
21. Alamanda Motuga
22. Joel Lam
23. Josh Ioane