Beware of the 'glitch' in the rugby matrix
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Hooker Codie Taylor described his All Blacks teammate Rieko Ioane as a “freak” ahead of their Rugby Championship Round Three encounter with Argentina.
Ioane has become the world’s best wing since he made his international debut at the age of 19 back in 2016.
The now 21-year-old has been terrorising defences with his speed and raw power and he has been scoring tries regularly when he puts on the famous black jersey.
For Taylor, who made his debut at the age of 24, Ioane’s achievements on the rugby field has been remarkable.
“You’ve got Rieks [wing Rieko Ioane] who’s running around. He debuted at 19 or something. He’s a bit of a freak, really. He’s a glitch,” said Taylor.
“I don’t know if I could’ve handled the All Black environment at 19, but people just develop a lot differently and you see that in forwards. You seem to develop a bit later in your career and backs these days are coming through really young.”
Meanwhile, prop Angus Ta’avao could make his All Blacks debut at the age of 28.
Ta’avao joined the All Blacks squad last week as cover after Joe Moody, who was ruled out of the rest of the Rugby Championship with a broken thumb.
Ta’avao has been learning about what is expected at this level of rugby from Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who is two years younger than Ta’avao.
“He’s done unreal,” said Taylor of Tu’ungafasi.
“Like he’s one of those guys that just wants to be better every day and you really see that in his training. Now that he’s got a leadership role, he just wants to lead with his actions.
“He’s not the most outspoken person, he’s quite quiet. He just sits back and takes it all in, but it’s a great chance for him to grow his game in terms of developing someone else. That’s something that’s driven pretty hard in the All Blacks. You’ve got to make the next guy just as good, so when he gets a chance he’s ready to go.”
Source: stuff.co.nz
