All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has indicated when he expects flyhalf Richie Mo’unga to make his comeback on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Mo’unga was on Wednesday called into the All Blacks squad as a replacement for injured centre Billy Proctor.
The 56-Test flyhalf has not represented New Zealand since the 2023 World Cup final defeat to the Springboks and only returned home a couple of months ago following his stint in Japan.
The 32-year-old became eligible for All Blacks selection again after playing for Canterbury against Auckland in the NPC on 1 August.
Rennie said New Zealand had enough centres in the squad, allowing them to turn to Mo’unga instead.
“We feel we’ve got enough cover there and, by the time Richie arrives, the first three provincial games are gone,” Rennie said.
“We felt him coming in and immersing himself, getting his head around our structures and the detail within that, would be really beneficial.
“He’s a player who is good enough to apply pressure for selection at some stage.
“The thinking is that it wouldn’t be in the first Test, but he might get game time against the Lions to start pushing a claim then.”
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The Lions host the All Blacks at Ellis Park on 25 August, three days after the first Test at the same venue.
Mo’unga joins a star-studded group of flyhalves in South Africa alongside Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Josh Jacomb.
Love is expected to wear the No 10 jersey against the Boks in the first Test after impressing during the Nations Championship and in the 54-0 win against the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday.
Barrett started at 10 in the tour opener against the Stormers and Jacomb will do so against the Bulls at Loftus on Saturday.
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Rennie stressed that Mo’unga’s reputation and experience would not guarantee him a place in the Test team.
“I’m not sure when he’ll play Test footy for us, but coming in now and spending time in the environment will accelerate that opportunity.
“He’s a very good player. We’re really happy with how Ruben’s been going, with Damian [McKenzie], who we’re predominantly using at 15 now, Beauden and even Josh, who’ll get an opportunity on the weekend to start.
“It’s about creating depth in those positions and Richie brings a lot of experience. But, as I mentioned in the press statement, he’s going to have to earn the right.”
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Rennie chatted to his four flyhalves before contacting Mo’unga.
“I met with all four 10s yesterday morning. I spoke to them before I’d even spoken to Richie,” he said.
“I just wanted them to understand that obviously Richie has been signed back to New Zealand Rugby. My job as head coach is to pick the best players available.
“Even yesterday, Ruben was saying how good it will be to have him in and have a chance to learn.
“But at the moment it’s been Ruben’s jersey and he’s going well, so we’re happy with that.
“It’ll be good competition and all four 10s are really supportive of the decision.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
The post Rennie reveals Richie return plan appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has indicated when he expects flyhalf Richie Mo’unga to make his comeback on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
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