Akira Ioane began his Blues career in 2015. Photo: Photosport
Akira Ioane will play his 100th match for the Blues this weekend but the All Black loosie has yet to commit his future to the franchise.
"I haven't thought about anything yet. I'm just trying to make sure I play well here and the rest will take care of itself. It's just more around what I want and what I want to do going forward."
The 27-year-old is still undecided on his post World Cup plans despite his brother Reiko resigning with New Zealand Rugby for the next four years.
"I've spent what? nine years playing with him, so I think I've had enough. I'd love to play with him more but it's just whatever the future holds for me, I don't know yet, so I'm just looking forward to enjoying the season."
Ioane says to bring up a century of Blues appearances is a special achievement.
"Obviously pretty special. Not just for me, but for my family as well, being born and bred here. You sort of dream about doing these things and to play 100 games on Saturday. Pretty special."
The Blues face a daunting task this weekend as they meet the Crusaders in Christchurch, a side they have lost 16 of the previous 17 meetings with.
"It doesn't really matter who it's against, you know, 100 games for your region is 100 games and it just happens to be against the Crusaders, so it will be a big game and I'm looking forward to it."
Ioane has endured some tumultuous times with the Blues.
"You don't want to be here nine years and then nothing's changed but there have been tough times and I guess to ride out that wave and pave the way for the young kids coming in now. That's pretty special and an honour to be a part of."
It has also been difficult off field at times.
"A bumpy one as well, but I have done a lot of growing as a person and as a player as well. My small circle, my family and my friends and my partner really helped I'm just happy to be where I am now."
Coach Leon MacDonald says he hasn't talked to his Crusaders counterpart his week and probably wont straight after the game either.
The new All Black coaches will square off in Christchurch this weekend. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
"I don't like losing to anyone and Razor's (Scott Robertson) is no different. Normally neither of us are great after a loss," he joked.
Robertson and MacDonald could well be squaring off for the final time before joining forces to take on All Blacks coaching roles from 2024.
MacDonald says Saturday's showdown looms as a crucial match for the Blues.
"We're both sitting nearly neck and neck on the points table.So this is a big game and also an opportunity to put in a performance going into the playoffs against one of the top teams."
A major omission from the Blues squad is cross-code superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
"We had some tough calls this week, and Roger was definitely one of them, we're really confident in what we've picked and the guys playing have earned the right through good form."
MacDonald says Harry Plummer offers more versatility as a duel play maker.
"Harry's form at twelve has been exceptional this year and he is different type of player. He has his relationship with Beauden (Barrett) in terms of being a playmaker, communication on the go and he sees space really well. I think he's advanced his running game and become a real threat."
The former Crusader says he is never short on motivation when going against his old team and neither are his players.
"Personally it's always one of the ones that I'm excited about and looking forward to. You don't have to bang on the table to invoke a bit of passion, that's already there. I know it means a lot to our guys."
Meanwhile, the Crusaders will be without veteran lock Sam Whitelock who has failed to recover from an achilles injury in time.
Leicester Fainga'anuku and Oli Jager will both bring up 50 appearances for the red and blacks.
MacDonald anticipates another memorable match after the Crusaders triumphed 38-24 in a thriller at Eden Park in round four.
"I think we're better than we were back then and they have Will Jordan back and a few other players so they will be backing themselves as well. It makes for a spicy encounter."
