Rieko Ioane doesn't appear to be too worried about falling down the All Blacks pecking order less than a month out from their opening match of the Rugby World Cup.
After two stellar seasons, the 22-year-old was left out of the team's big win over the Wallabies at Eden Park, with George Bridge and Sevu Reece starring in his absence.
But Ioane is happy with his form, although he realises his test spot is a major talking point, especially after George Bridge took his place against the Wallabies.
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"People get talking and I get messages from the boys 'what's going on? What's going on?'," said Ioane. "But I'm happy. I am happy being me. I am happy with the way I am playing."
Ioane has been an All Blacks shoo-in since 2017, having scored 23 tries in 26 tests.
But there's questions over his place in the pecking order ahead of next week's World Cup squad naming.
"Ive spoken to the coaches and what they expect from me. I think that's behind closed doors.
Auckland coach Alama Ieremia offers some clues to their thinking.
"As long as he gets enough ball and goes and finds the ball," Ieremia said. "As long as he does his core roles then I'm sure we'll see the best out of him.
Ioane hasn't been at his best since a lightning start to the Blues' season when he scored seven tries in three games.
The opportunities dried up and since Super Rugby he's played just two first class games in two months.
Does he feel like it's about time the ball came his way?
"It would be good if it did. I just need to have discipline and play where the team needs me to be. I don't want to try to go out there and be a super hero."
Rieko Ioane's World Cup hopes certainly don't need saving, but there's nothing like competition to get him back firing in the 11 jersey.
Newshub.
