Mo’unga back in the number 10 jersey

Richie Mo’unga will start at flyhalf for the All Blacks in their tour fixture against the Johannesburg-based Lions at Ellis Park on Tuesday, with Beauden Barrett at fullback. The match comes after New Zealand’s 33-16 victory over South Africa in the first Test of the series, and ahead of the second clash with the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday.

Mo’unga, who returned from a club stint in Japan, has not played for the All Blacks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final loss to the Springboks. He was originally named as a replacement for centre Billy Proctor on the tour but has been promoted to the starting XV.

Emotional return

Speaking about his time away, Mo’unga said the decision to come home and pursue test rugby again was sparked while watching the Six Nations in Japan. “It was sitting in Japan one night watching Six Nations one night knowing there’s no better feeling than being in the arena,” he said. “Japan rugby is a lot different to that. When you’re watching test matches over in Europe and watching the All Blacks play you never get that feeling. One reason for coming back was to win a World Cup but to not have any regrets of wishing I gave it another crack or thinking there was more to give.”

He also recalled feeling emotional hearing the New Zealand anthem at Ellis Park while watching the All Blacks upset the Springboks. “I knew I missed it but coming back in you realise that this is a really special circle to be in. I’m savouring every moment. I’m not going to take these things for granted. There’s an awesome buzz in this group,” he said.

Team changes and context

The All Blacks have undergone two coaching changes since Mo’unga last played for them. Ian Foster passed the role to Mo’unga’s former Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, and after Robertson’s two-year tenure, Dave Rennie took charge this season. Rennie has promoted Ruben Love to run the cutter, and the team have remained unbeaten in four Tests under his leadership.

Mo’unga, who has committed to New Zealand Rugby for 18 months rather than two years, played for Canterbury in the NPC and waited for an injury call-up exemption to join the South African tour. He acknowledged the uncertainty of not knowing when or if he would be called up. “Early on it was there were so many different scenarios of how the year could pan out for me. The one thing I knew is I could only [control what I could control],” he said.

Lineup and bench

Rieko Ioane starts at centre alongside Timoci Tavatavanawai, with wings Emoni Narawa and Fehi Fineanganofo completing the back three with Barrett. Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston and Anton Lienert-Brown are all on the bench having come on as replacements in the Test win over South Africa.

Injury replacements Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah are also on the bench, and Highlanders prop Saula Ma’u will make his debut from the bench. All Blacks loose forward Anton Segner has an ankle issue displaying acute inflammatory arthritis, and his prognosis does not sound positive.

Coach Dave Rennie said: “With the naming of this matchday 23, everyone currently in the squad will have played on tour, which is great for creating depth and competition for places in the test team.”