Fly half Richie Mo’unga has been recalled to the New Zealand squad to leave head coach Dave Rennie with a major selection dilemma for the four-Test series against South Africa.
Mo’unga has not appeared for the All Blacks since starting the 2023 Rugby World Cup final defeat to the Springboks, with the playmaker subsequently moving to Japan and thus ineligible for international selection.
The 32-year-old has returned to New Zealand with Canterbury in recent weeks, though, and has now been summoned to the touring squad after centre Billy Proctor was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Mo’unga will join up with Rennie’s group ahead of a meeting with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria this weekend before the All Blacks take on the world champions in the first of four Tests in Johannesburg next Saturday.
“We really feel for Billy,” Rennie said. “He has had a great season so this is frustrating for him. It is the harsh reality of our game. We wish him all the best with his recovery and hope to see him fit and well in time for the end of year tour selection.
"Richie is the obvious choice as a replacement. His job now is to get in and learn our systems, get his head around the detail and earn the right to play."
Mo’unga’s return had been anticipated for the remainder of the Nations Championship in November, but comes ahead of schedule to bolster Rennie’s options.
Ruben Love has impressed for the All Blacks of late (Getty)Ruben Love has established himself as New Zealand’s first-choice fly half with three assured showings in the July Tests, and remains the favourite to wear the No 10 shirt at Ellis Park as the Springboks series begins.
Veteran Beauden Barrett and the versatile Damian McKenzie also provide alternative options, although Mo’unga had seized the shirt before his move to Japan and remains a high-class option.
McKenzie suffered an ankle injury in the midweek win over the Sharks in Durban, but it is hoped he will be fit to feature next weekend.
Leave a Comment