Coach Dave Rennie addressed the omission of Rieko Ioane and the selection of Fehi Fineanganofo when naming his first All Blacks squad on Monday.
Rennie made a bold statement by leaving out the experienced Ioane, while rewarding Hurricanes wing Fineanganofo with a maiden call-up after a superb Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Ioane, who helped Leinster beat the Vodacom Bulls in the URC final, was one of the biggest casualties of Rennie’s first selection.
“Obviously Rieks is still in Ireland,” Rennie told Sky Sport. “We had a conversation with him and guys like Du’Plessis [Kirifi] this morning and so on. They are really disappointed, they want to be a part of it.”
Despite overlooking the utility back, Rennie suggested the door remains open.
“Rieks has gone pretty well in recent weeks. He has played a bit of centre and wing and what we know with 44 going to South Africa we are going to bring another 10 in.
“His versatility means he is a strong chance to go there.”
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Fineanganofo’s inclusion was one of the standout selections in the 34-man squad. The Hurricanes flyer finished as Super Rugby Pacific’s joint leading try-scorer alongside teammate Josh Moorby, with both players crossing 17 times this season.
The 23-year-old’s selection is particularly notable given he signed a two-year contract with English club Newcastle earlier this year, a move that appeared to place his All Blacks ambitions on hold.
Rennie, however, felt Fineanganofo’s form was impossible to ignore.
“I think that is the process that he is going through,” he said of the Newcastle deal.
“What we know is that he is contracted here until November. His form has been irresistible and we are keen to name him.
“So I think he will work through that [the Newcastle contract] in time.”
Photo: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
The post Rennie: Rieko a strong chance for SA tour appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach Dave Rennie addressed the omission of Rieko Ioane and the selection of Fehi Fineanganofo when naming his first All Blacks squad on Monday.
The post Rennie: Rieko a strong chance for SA tour appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
