All Blacks winger Rieko Ioane relished his return to the black jersey, shining in last night's 63-0 victory over Canda in Oita.
Making the most of a start after losing his Test spot to the likes of George Bridge and Sevu Reece, Ioane showed his worth in the number 11 jersey in Oita, crossing over for his 24th try in just his 27th Test.
Speaking to 1 NEWS in the mixed zone after the win, Ioane opened up about his journey back to the black jersey.
"It was awesome to be back," Ioane said.
"I love being back out there. Obviously, the boys put in a good performance, we left a couple of tries out there - but that's the game of rugby.
"[It was] a bit slippery towards the end, the lungs were feeling it but it was good."
Ioane also explained his try celebration, roaring in delight after crossing over.
"It's been a big couple of weeks leading into this, a big couple of months.
"It was just awesome to get back out there, to get a meat-pie [try] was awesome.
"[I'm] pretty happy."
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