It will be a battle of the No 8 on Saturday, when the Maori All Blacks take on the Flying Fijians at ANZ Stadium in Suva. With a Viliame Mata and Akira Ioane showdown looming, big clashes are on the horizon for Pacifica rugby fans. Former Olympic Gold rugby sevens medalist Viliame Mata had an outstanding […] READ MORE
Tag: Akira Ioane
One Step Closer to RWC2019 – All Blacks foundation group announced
As if the ultimate goal was untold, then an announcement from Steve Hansen and his selection panel has brought the focus in line. Taking one step closer to the Rugby World Cup 2019, the All Blacks foundation group was named. 41 names to be precise, with the news making rugby fans ears prick-up – knowing […] READ MORE
‘Fresh Start’ intended: familiar Blues Rugby loss presented
Traveling by bus down to Eden Park, the recognizable Blues Rugby team fans on board seemed to be expectant. They were hopeful, after the fresh changes made to the Auckland franchise that they might challenge in 2019. But, they ended up seeing an all too familiar loss in a high competitive, New Zealand local derby […] READ MORE
Blues secure the future with Rieko Ioane and Akira Ioane re-signing
Any team that can look into the future, securing the signatures of players long-term, can be satisfied with their recruitment. If two key players re-signed are both International quality; in Rieko Ioane and his brother Akira, then it is an even better outcome. And crucially, if one of those players is an undoubted, a test-quality All […] READ MORE
Auckland Blues fail to produce a win at home against Sharks
In sports, there are positives to be taken from adversary. You naturally have to focus on them, before admitting to your failings. On a night of ups and downs for the hosts though, when the whistle blew time off the record read ‘Auckland Blues fail to produce a win at home’. Not pretty, even while […] READ MORE