All Blacks boss Dave Rennie has opened the door for Richie Mo’unga to join the squad after Billy Proctor’s injury setback on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Proctor fractured his shoulder blade during New Zealand’s 38-21 victory over the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium on Friday and will return home. The 27-year-old will not require surgery but faces 10 to 12 weeks on the sidelines.
“He’ll go home on Thursday,” Rennie said at a team announcement press conference on Sunday. “He’s got a fractured shoulder blade.
“It’s a 10- to 12-week recovery and won’t require surgery, that’s the sort of time frame. Devastated for him.”
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The All Blacks have yet to confirm Proctor’s replacement, with Rennie confirming they will bring another player into the squad.
“Yeah, we will, we’re working through that process.”
Asked whether Mo’unga would be the replacement, Rennie smiled before offering no clarity. “Well, we’ll work through that process.”
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Mo’unga is eligible for selection again after making two NPC appearances for Canterbury following his return from Japan. The 56-Test flyhalf was not included in the original 44-man touring squad, but had remained an option if required.
The All Blacks face the Sharks at Kings Park on Tuesday before travelling to Pretoria to take on the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday.
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
The post Rennie drops Richie call-up hint appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
All Blacks boss Dave Rennie has opened the door for Richie Mo’unga to join the squad after Billy Proctor’s injury setback on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
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