Ioane stars in game of three halves

Fri, Aug 10, 2018, 10:56 AM
AAP
by AAP
Rieko Ioane scored two tries for the All Blacks. Photo: Getty Images
Rieko Ioane scored two tries for the All Blacks. Photo: Getty Images

Rieko Ioane has delivered the Wallabies a reminder of his enormous threat as the All Blacks cruised through a pre-Bledisloe Cup hit-out in Christchurch.

Ioane scored four tries across two 40-minute trials against provincial opponents on Friday.

The All Blacks beat Otago 32-0 in the first clash and were too good for a Canterbury selection, 40-5.

Only two conversions were attempted in the low-key evening at AMI Stadium.

Coach Steve Hansen elected to rest most of his squad's Crusaders players, who have endured a heavy workload on their way to clinching the Super Rugby championship.

Left winger Ioane was played out of position at outside centre but proved as lethal as ever in an ominous sign ahead of the Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney next week.

His hat-trick against Otago was accompanied by tries to Waisake Naholo and Nehe Milner-Skudder, along with flanker Shannon Frizell.

Ioane bagged the last try against Canterbury while Hurricanes backs Ngani Laumape and TJ Perenara had doubles.

Importantly for Hansen, there were no apparent injuries.

Share
Rock'n'roll lineouts helping Wallabies prepare for loud-mouthed Lions
‘Best place in the world’: McDermott weighs in on flyhalf battle as Reds skipper eager for Suncorp cauldron
Kefu backs Wallabies underdogs, taking AUNZ learnings for First Nations Pasifika clash
The Wallaroos and Australia Cricket team trade tips ahead of their respective World Cup campaigns. Photo: Getty Images
Hit for Six: Wallaroos, Australia Cricket Team rally behind respective World Cup campaigns