Ioane keen to seize the day
Ioane keen to seize the day
May 31, 2007 - 10:12am
Story by: Sportal
Qantas Wallabies' Test debutant Digby Ioane is hoping to make full use of his selection on the wing for this Saturday night's Test against Wales with the lure of a World Cup spot hovering on the horizon.
The youngest member of John Connolly's 30-man squad has become the beneficiary of the Wallabies coach's plan to give all the players in his squad international exposure before the World Cup, taking over from Mark Gerrard on the wing.
"It's all about confidence and taking the opportunity because this could be your last Test match," he said against the backdrop of the likely return of rested superstar Lote Tuqiri next weekend against Fiji.
"I'm not that nervous. I just want to get out there and play."
"You've got to perform every game to make the next step and that is the World Cup. But I'm just focusing on this weekend's game."
And while Ioane is certain to have a huge following in his adopted hometown of Brisbane, the New Zealand-born wing has admitted he's not even sure whether he can count on the support of his dad, who is a former Samoan Test representative and huge All Blacks supporter.
Ioane senior, Natu, played one Test for Samoa against the New Zealand Maoris as a flanker and remains a staunch New Zealand follower from time spent living in Wellington.
Digby's debut arrives 18 months after receiving a shock call-up for Australia's 2005 European tour when he admitted he was wracked with nerves and only managed game time against the French Barbarians in Bordeaux as a result.
But with two years as a professional now under his belt, and having developed somewhat a cult following at the Western Force, Ioane is already being talked up as a possible game-breaker by the Australian coaching staff.
Wallabies attack coach Scott Johnson has bracketed 21-year-old Digby Ioane with razzle-dazzlers like Wales' Shane Williams and England's Jason Robinson.
"He can beat most people in a phone booth. He's got wonderful feet and he's brings a point of difference," said Johnson.
"That's the beauty of players like Shane Williams, Digby, Jason Robinson - they've got something about them … and that's exciting for the crowd."
"With Digby you'll see something unique."
When asked about the comparison, Ioane was more modest but admitted that his footwork is his strength, not to mention his stunning turn of pace and optimistic outlook.
"I just love running out there and trying to beat them one-on-one," he said. "Firstly, you've got to play smart but if you know you can beat the guy one-on-one then you might as well just take him on."
"Hopefully I can score some tries," he added with a laugh.
Marc Fox
