Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
9h ago

Mo'unga Recalled to All Blacks and Set to Start at Ellis Park

Dave Rennie called the 32-year-old in as injury cover to test him in provincial tour fixtures as part of a bid to win a 2027 World Cup place.

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 New Zealand's Richie Mo'unga after being substituted REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Image
'Wiser and older’: Mo’unga lifts the lid on long-awaited All Blacks return

Overview

  • Richie Mo'unga will start for the All Blacks against the Lions at Ellis Park on Tuesday after being added to the squad as injury cover.
  • Coach Dave Rennie used the call-up to give Mo'unga a controlled chance to show fitness and combinations in the South Africa tour's provincial matches.
  • Mo'unga regained New Zealand eligibility by returning from Japan in June and playing two NPC games for Canterbury before rejoining the All Blacks camp.
  • Ruben Love remains the All Blacks' first-choice flyhalf, which means Mo'unga's immediate prospects for the remaining tour Tests are limited unless injury or loss of form changes the pecking order.
  • Mo'unga has praised Rennie's attacking game plan and says the chance to play again is a personal bid to avoid regrets and to push for a spot in the 2027 World Cup squad.