Richie Mo'unga. All Blacks v South Africa. The Rugby Championship. Westpac Stadium, Wellington, Saturday 27 July 2019. Copyright photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.Photosport.nz Richie Mo'unga in the All Blacks squad to face the Lions on Tuesday night.
Richie Mo’unga will play his first match for the All Blacks since the 2023 World Cup final when he runs out against the Lions on Tuesday night in the final midweek match of rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
The brilliant playmaker moved to Japan after the New Zealanders lost 12-11 to the Springboks in the World Cup final, but a recent move back to New Zealand opened the door for a recall.
After playing a club match for Canterbury, Mo’unga was summoned to South Africa by coach Dave Rennie when Billy Proctor’s tour ended with an injury against the Stormers.
Rennie did not consider Mo’unga for last week’s first Test, with the late arrival needing time to readjust to the All Blacks’ systems. However, an appearance against the Lions represents a step forward as he looks to be considered for the remainder of the Test series.
