Rieko Ioane has joined the All Blacks camp as cover, while they continue to monitor injuries in the outside backs. The All Blacks are set for a tough game against Ireland in Auckland on 18 July, but it seems they are nursing some niggles in the squad.
However, the All Blacks did not reveal the names of the players nursing injuries. Which means they may recover well in time, but some fans already believed that Rieko should have been selected in the first squad.
They think the 29-year-old is the best centre in the country, and just like Barrett did, Leinster have also made him grow as a player. Announcing the news, the All Blacks welcomed the talented and experienced centre in the hope that he would bring balance.
“Squad update as we head into Auckland week 🗣️ Welcome back @riekoioane_ 🫱🏽🫲🏾”
FANS WELCOME RIEKO IOANE WITH WARM HEARTS
After the All Blacks announced the news on Instagram, fans welcomed Rieko Ioane, with some saying that now, the All Blacks can even win the World Cup.
@NIKAU MCGREGOR “Should’ve made the squad in the first place. Our most dangerous player when he’s on the paddock”
@Dane Castle “Scraping the bottom of the barrel now. Leicester would be better on crutches 😂”
@Sarah Dewsbury “Let’s gooo!! Back where he deserves to be!! 🖤”
@Tomstround “His defensive reads and control were definitely missing, great to see him back in the squad”
@Tremmy “About time without a doubt still the best Centre in NZ if fully engaged and you are the coaches to get the best 🙏🙏👏👏👏”