"I thought he played really well - he was brilliant," Kirwan said of Rieko's form in Wellington. "He's big, strong and fast. He's tall and a good athlete. He can step off both feet and has a good fend. He's in that Israel Folau, Sonny Bill Williams sort of mould."
The 1.89m Ioane, who plays in the midfield in 15s, scored two tries during New Zealand's 27-21 victory over England in Saturday night's final in Wellington.
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It was a performance which came as no surprise to Dave Askew, who coached him for two seasons in the first XV at Auckland Grammar.
He played for New Zealand's under 17 and under 19 touch teams, and for the NZ Secondary Schools rugby team last year.
At the weekend tournament, Ioane needed a dispensation to play.
Askew said they had seen the makings of a great player during his time at school.
"For a long time we've always thought that he's got the goods - the speed, the power, the strength, the skill set and the right head on his shoulders," Askew said.
Askew said he watched with interest as Ioane, who turns 18 next month, helped New Zealand to their eighth title in Wellington.
Likes and dislikes
Rugby ground: Auckland Grammar No. 1 Field
Rugby player: Dylan Collier
Food: Chicken
Actor/Actress: Jessica Biel, Kevin Hart
Movie: Anything with Kevin Hart
Singer/Band/Music: Chris Brown
Holiday destination: Paris
Non-rugby sports team: OKC Thunder
If you could meet one person, who would it be and why: J.Lo
Pet: Dog named Jordan
I hate it when: People mistake me for Trey Songz
I can't live without: My phone
If I wasn't a rugby player I would be: A singer
Future plans: Study Bachelor of Commerce at Auckland Uni
Source: allblacks.com
Rieko Ioane of celebrates after winning the Cup Final match. Photo / Getty Images
