New Zealand's top test try scorer Doug Howlett says All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane is reminiscent of some of the all-time greats of the game.
Ioane won World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year earlier this week, a day after scoring two tries as the All Blacks beat Wales in Cardiff.
Rieko Ioane scores a try during the Rugby Championship test match rugby union. Photo: Photosport
Howlett says the 20-year-old has the potential to be a special player.
"He has elements of all great All Black wingers," Howlett told the BBC.
"He can move like Christian Cullen, he has the strength of a Jonah [Lomu], and he can pass and play the ball like a Tana Umaga.
"He's had an exceptional season."
Ioane is the latest on the production line of world-class New Zealand wingers, replacing Julian Savea in the New Zealand side ahead of this years series against the British and Irish Lions.
Savea scored a remarkable 46 tries in 54 Tests, and Howlett - who is head of commercial and marketing at Munster - revealed how he has tried to bring him to Limerick.
New Zealand v Australia 2003, Eden Park, Doug Howlett. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"I've tried to talk Munster into signing Julian Savea," Howlett said. "But it wasn't to be - at the moment it's not a position we are looking for.
"It's not in my job description, but with my track record and understanding of the New Zealand environment, I am asked my opinion."
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Howlett holds the All Blacks try-scoring record with 49, three ahead of Cullen, Joe Rokocoko and Savea.
