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Rieko Ioane pays tribute to Barrett and Jones ahead of milestone test
All Blacks star Rieko Ioane has paid tribute to teammate Beauden Barrett and Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones ahead of their milestone clash in Cardiff on Sunday [NZT].
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Both players will reach significant landmarks in their test careers when Wales host the All Blacks at Principality Stadium in their opening test of the Autumn Nations Series, with Barrett set to become the 11th All Black to notch 100 test caps.
Nine years after his test debut against Ireland in Hamilton, the 30-year-old has forged out an exceptional international career with the All Blacks.
A 2015 World Cup title and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards have been accompanied by nine Bledisloe Cup wins and eight Rugby Championship/Tri Nations triumphs, but it is Barrett’s style of play that has captivated onlookers the most.
Few, if any, first-fives have played with the freedom and attacking intent with ball in hand like Barrett has done throughout his career, and that aspect of his game has made him one of the most exhilarating players to watch worldwide.
It has also made him one of the most dangerous players to defend against on the planet, hence his regular selection in the All Blacks, which has led to this weekend as he joins Aaron Smith as the second All Black to crack a century of tests this year.
An All Blacks teammate of Barrett’s since 2016, and a Blues teammate of his last year, Ioane illustrated how accustomed he has become to the pivot’s brilliance as he outlined what makes the playmaker special while speaking to media on Friday [NZT].
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“It’s an awesome achievement and I know it’s something he’s very proud of,” Ioane, who has been named to start alongside Barrett in the Welsh capital this weekend, said.
“The way he’s gone about it and his career’s gone, it’s something inspiring. Baz is a quality player and to notch up one test, and then 50 and then obviously now finally getting his 100th, it’s going to be a special occasion.
“He brings that X-factor to our backline and to our team as well as that calm head under pressure. It’s going to be awesome to be a part of his 100th and I’m sure he’s going to put on something special.”
Jones, meanwhile, will surpass former All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw for most tests for a nation when he makes his 149th appearance for Wales in the international arena.
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After having also played 12 tests for the British and Irish Lions, the 36-year-old lock surpassed McCaw as the most-capped player of all-time when Wales were beaten 14-10 by Scotland during the Autumn Nations Cup in Llanelli last October.
However, this weekend presents Jones – who debuted for Wales in 2006 – with the opportunity to overtake McCaw for most test appearances for a country, a feat of which Ioane could scarcely find believable when asked about the achievement.
“Far out, I didn’t even know that he was 149. Honestly, that’s crazy and it’s a testament to both players for sticking with it with your country,” Ioane told reporters.
“Over the course of the years and to reach 100-odd games is something that I’m sure both players are hugely proud of, and, as for the body, it’s not easy to do, especially in this day and age with the game so fast and physical.
“Keeping in top shape has obviously been a priority for them so big ups to Alun and, again, I want to pass on my congrats to Baz because it’s going to be cool.”
Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to comments