All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had an embarrassing case of mistaken identity at his media conference in Sydney this afternoon, accidentally referring to Rieko Ioane as Rico Gear.
Asked about the difficulty in adapting to Test rugby for his young players, Hansen tried to use Ioane as an example, getting it amusingly wrong in the process.
"You look at Rico Gear as an example, he's loved it," Hansen began.
All Blacks media manager Joe Locke was quick to jump in and correct Hansen.
"Rieko Ioane I meant, did I call him Rico Gear?"
ADVERTISEMENT
Hansen then had to thank Locke for his intervention.
"Thanks Joe, just as well you're here."
Hansen was fronting the media after naming his All Blacks side to face the Wallabies on Saturday in Sydney.
SHARE ME