Ruben Love says it’s “awesome” to have his prime competitor for the All Blacks No 10 jersey, Richie Mo’unga, back in the national set-up.
Mo’unga was called up as an injury replacement during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, having become eligible for All Blacks selection again after playing for Canterbury in the NPC.
The 56-Test flyhalf will make his first appearance for his country since the 2023 World Cup final against the Springboks when the All Blacks face the Lions at Ellis Park on Tuesday night.
TEAM: Richie at 10 as All Blacks aim for SA sweep
In Mo’unga’s absence, Love has made the No 10 jersey his own under coach Dave Rennie and started in Saturday’s 33-16 first-Test victory against the Boks at Ellis Park.
But rather than viewing Mo’unga’s return as a threat, the 25-year-old is embracing the opportunity to work alongside him.
“It’s awesome. He and Beauden [Barrett] were two 10s I grew up idolising,” Love said in a wide-ranging interview with Stuff.
“I remember my first Super Rugby start for the Hurricanes in 2021 was against him. It’s crazy how life goes.
“He’s got so many skills, and just being able to learn what’s made him such a great 10 over the years … it’s been cool to get to know him as a human.”
ALSO: Richie relishing All Blacks return
Love also dismissed the perception that competition for the All Blacks No 10 jersey must create animosity between the contenders.
“I feel like the public feel we all hate each other or we automatically push each other out to the edge,” he said.
“It’s like, bro, we all care about this team so much. We want to see the All Blacks do well before we want to see ourselves do well. That’s the whole point of being an All Black.
“We’re all trying to get better so we can uplift the jersey.”
MORE: Love opens up on All Blacks self-doubt
Love says his rise this season is about more than regular selection and the backing of coaches.
“I was in a weird place last year and wasn’t enjoying my footy. I had to find that love for the game again,” he said.
“My confidence comes from my friends and family believing in me. The self-belief I’ve had to cultivate from the off-season till now is on the back of a lot of hard work and love and friendship.”
Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters
The post Love: We don’t hate each other appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ruben Love says it’s “awesome” to have his prime competitor for the All Blacks No 10 jersey, Richie Mo’unga, back in the national set-up.
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