Ioane is seen as something of a problem child in New Zealand rugby, possessing plenty of talent and ability but also hampered by poor fitness and a lack of commitment.
He started well for the Blues this year but failed to stay at those high standards as the season went on
Ioane started for the Maori All Blacks in the first game against Fiji in Suva last week but the home team was superior in many facets and ran out a deserved 27-10 winner.
He is not the only casualty from that game, as former All Black halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi has also been dropped to the reserves.
Tahuriorangi must be getting sick of the reserves bench as that is where he spent the majority of his Super Rugby season behind excellent Chiefs halfback Brad Weber.
Bryn Hall, who takes his place in Rotorua, is rewarded for an excellent season with the Crusaders.
There are six Highlanders in the starting line-up, including Highlanders hooker Ash Dixon, who will captain the side. He gets the start ahead of former All Black Nathan Harris.
Tyrel Lomax, who is moving to the Hurricanes next season, will also start while Pari Pari Parkinson and Tom Franklin combine as locking partners.
Out the back is centre Rob Thompson. He is joined by winger Jordan Hyland, who joined the Highlanders as injury cover during the season.
The Maori team will be out for revenge after the loss to Fiji last week, its first loss to Fiji more than 60 years.
It looks to be one of the weaker Maori sides in recent years and one must question its worth in what is an important year in New Zealand rugby.
Fringe All Blacks such as Waisake Naholo and Gareth Evans cannot play for the Maori All Blacks and make an impression, yet are well ahead in the pecking order of the likes of Reed Prinsep and Hyland.
The Maori All Blacks have a proud tradition but one should not be a prisoner to that tradition.
Maori All Blacks
to play Fiji tomorrow
Shaun Stevenson, Jordan Hyland, Rob Thompson, Alex Nankivell, Sean Wainui, Otere Black, Bryn Hall, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Mitch Karpik, Reed Prinsep, Pari Pari Parkinson, Tom Franklin, Tyrel Lomax, Ash Dixon (captain), Ross Wright. Reserves: Nathan Harris, Haereiti Hetet or Pouri Rakete-Stones, Marcel Renata, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Akira Ioane, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Fletcher Smith, Tei Walden.
Comments
Yes a shame the rules on eligibility can t be relaxed allowing 2 to 3 non maori to be selected as guest players. In a world cup year getting the likes of Gareth Evans and Naholo onto the pitch is absolutely to N Z rugby's benefit.