The real reason Rieko Ioane missed All Blacks selection

The experienced back is one of several high-profile names to miss out, with the selectors making a number of bold calls ahead of the Rugby Championship.

While some supporters have questioned whether Ioane's spell at Leinster played a part, the reality is much simpler. He was fully eligible for selection, but after an inconsistent campaign the selectors chose to move in a different direction.

Below, we look at the five biggest names to miss out.

Lio-Willie looked to have done enough to earn another opportunity after an outstanding Super Rugby campaign. The No. 8 was among the competition's most consistent performers, but fierce competition in the All Blacks back row ultimately counted against him.

Many expected Hotham to earn his first All Blacks call-up after another impressive season with the Crusaders. The dynamic scrum-half has long been viewed as one of New Zealand's brightest prospects, but the selectors opted to stick with more experienced options.

Kirifi's omission surprised plenty of fans. The Hurricanes captain enjoyed arguably the best season of his career, leading from the front with his relentless work rate and breakdown ability. Despite his outstanding form, it wasn't enough to force his way back into the national squad.

Mo'unga remains one of the world's premier fly-halves, but his absence comes down to New Zealand Rugby's overseas eligibility policy. The playmaker is currently playing his club rugby in Japan and is therefore unavailable for All Blacks selection until he returns home.

No omission has attracted more attention than Ioane's.

The 29-year-old returned to New Zealand after his sabbatical with Leinster Rugby and was fully eligible for selection. However, after a season that failed to reach the standards he has set throughout his Test career, the selectors decided to look elsewhere.

With 88 Test caps to his name, Ioane has been a fixture in the All Blacks squad for almost a decade. His omission signals a changing of the guard and sends a clear message that past achievements alone are no guarantee of selection.