John Kirwan says he wouldn’t be surprised if Richie Mo’unga starts at 10 for the All Blacks against the Springboks in Baltimore on Saturday.
Ruben Love has started all six Tests under coach Dave Rennie this season, but his place could be under threat after an inconsistent performance in New Zealand’s 29-24 defeat at FNB Stadium.
Love showed encouraging signs on attack but was yellow-carded and missed three goal kicks as the All Blacks fell 2-1 behind in the four-Test series.
“He will be disappointed in that – two conversions and a penalty – so that’s seven points you can’t leave out there,” Kirwan said. “Ruben will be disappointed he didn’t nail that.”
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The former All Blacks wing believes Love faces genuine competition for the No 10 jersey in the series finale.
“There will be pressure on him because he’s got Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett who have a whole lot of experience, so he will be under pressure to get selected this week.
“If you’re a first five [flyhalf], you have to step up in those situations.”
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Mo’unga became eligible for Test selection again in August after a three-year stint in Japan and subsequently joined the All Blacks squad as an injury replacement, although his only tour appearance came against the Lions at Ellis Park.
“Ruben’s been really steady,” said Kirwan. “He’s a young man, to play in those Test matches and play well has been a real positive.
“Richie’s come back, he’s been in the squad, do you throw him out there or do you continue to give Ruben confidence?
“That’s a really interesting selection for this week; what will they do? I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Richie out there at 10.”
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The post Rennie to fall out of Love? appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
John Kirwan says he wouldn’t be surprised if Richie Mo’unga starts at 10 for the All Blacks against the Springboks in Baltimore on Saturday.
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