Lomu, Cullen, Umaga all in one

New Zealand rugby's record test try-scorer has likened young All Blacks sensation Rieko Ioane to a combination of Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga.

Talk about a destructive force! Comparisons don't come much bigger than those being dished out by Doug Howlett, the wonder-wing who scored a record 49 tries in 62 tests for the All Blacks.

Ioane has just been named World Rugby's breakthrough player of the year following a stunning season where he has taken his try count to 11 from just 13 tests and looked a force in every match he has played.

"He has elements of all great All Black wingers," Howlett told the BBC's weekly rugby podcast on Wednesday.

"He can move like Christian Cullen, he has the strength of a Jonah [Lomu], and he can pass and play the ball like a Tana Umaga.

"He's had an exceptional season."

Howlett also revealed he tried to get unwanted All Blacks winger Julian Savea to Munster, where Howlett, 39, is now commercial and marketing manager at the famous Irish club after playing 114 matches for them following the 2007 World Cup disaster.

Ironically Ioane's irresistible form has pushed Savea on to the sidelines, despite the Wellington star scoring 46 tries in 54 tests.

"I've tried to talk Munster into signing Julian Savea. But it wasn't to be - at the moment it's not a position we are looking for," Howlett lamented.

"It's not in my job description, but with my track record and understanding of the New Zealand environment, I am asked my opinion."

 

 

Photo by: WAYNE DROUGHT/ STUFF. Caption: Former All Blacks wing Doug Howlett knew his way to the try line, crossing a record 49 times in tests.