Ioane not fretting over rugby try drought

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane refuses to fret over the first extended try drought of his Test rugby career heading into Saturday’s clash with New Zealand.

The powerful Queensland back hasn’t crossed in his past eight Tests, having never previously gone more than three internationals without a chance to indulge in one of his exuberant try celebrations.

His last five-pointer was 11 months ago in a World Cup clash with Italy.

“It’s not all about scoring tries – it’s all about team work setting up the tries and doing the hard yards,” Ioane told AAP.

“I don’t even worry about scoring tries,” added Ioane, who has one try in four Tests against New Zealand and nine in 25 matches against all comers.

Ioane recognised his hunger for work, which often draws him infield and away from the wing, sometimes limited his opportunities out wide.

“I’m somewhere in the rucks or looking for work and the ball comes out and I’m not even there (on the wing),” Ioane said.

“I guess that’s why the coaches like me being part of playing for the Wallabies, because I don’t just sit on the wing.

“I try and boost up the forwards and lift them up and lift a game up.”

Established as a Test player, Ioane would love an opportunity to be part of the national Sevens squad when rugby returns to the Olympics in four years.

“I’d love to play Sevens. I spoke to (Sevens coach Michael) O’Connor three years ago, but I never got the chance to play because I was busy with Super 14,” Ioane said.

“I was meant to (play Sevens for Australia) back in the days when I was 19, but I didn’t go due to injury, but I’d love to play Sevens.

“If it was to go to an Olympics, why not?

“I’d be happy.”

Ioane revealed he was inspired by the example of winger turned backrower Radike Samo, whose age is officially listed at 36, but who he suspects might be actually into his fifth decade.

“Radike Samo is someone to have motivation around, because he is such an old bloke and he’s still going and it’s not like he’s lost speed,” Ioane said.

“I think the older he gets, he gets faster.”

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