Richie Mo’unga returns to All Blacks squad for Lions match
Mo’unga’s Return to the All Blacks
Richie Mo’unga has rejoined the All Blacks squad after a three-year absence from international rugby. His last appearance was in the World Cup final, where he contributed two penalties in a narrow loss to the Springboks. Mo’unga spent three years playing in Japan with Toshiba Brave Lupus before returning to the NPC for Canterbury in August. He scored a try off the bench against Auckland and then started in a victory over Otago a week later.
Mo’unga expressed some nervousness upon his return to the camp, acknowledging that the team environment has changed since his departure in 2023. Despite this, he stated he is “at peace” with his return, believing it is for a reason. He is set to play at fly-half in the upcoming match against the Lions.
Squad Changes for Lions Encounter
Coach Dave Rennie has named an entirely new starting XV for the August 25 clash against the Lions at Ellis Park, following the All Blacks’ 33-16 victory over the Springboks. The backline will feature Beauden Barrett at full-back, with Fehi Fineanganofo and Emoni Narawa on the wings. Rieko Ioane and Timoci Tavatavanawai will form the midfield partnership.
In the forward pack, Semisi Ta’eiloa starts at number eight, flanked by Ethan Blackadder and Wallace Sititi. Captain Tuipulotu partners Sam Darry in the second row, while Pasilo Tosi, Samisoni Taukei’aho, and Siale Lauaki make up the front row. The bench will feature a 5:3 split, including recent tour call-ups Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah, alongside Bradley Slater, Saula Ma’u, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Josh Jacomb, and Anton Lienert-Brown.
Debut and Player Roles
Saula Ma’u is slated to make his debut off the bench, joining the front row to provide power to the scrum. Ma’u, who stands nearly two metres tall and weighs roughly 140 kg, recently joined the squad as a replacement for Ollie Norris, who sustained a knee injury. Known for his abrasive carrying and powerful scrummaging, Ma’u has been an impact player for both Otago and the Highlanders in the NPC and Super Rugby.
While Rieko Ioane and Beauden Barrett are starting against the Lions, their inclusion in the main Test team for the weekend is considered unlikely due to the short turnaround. A strong performance in the midweek match could bolster their chances for future Test squad selections. Beauden Barrett, who has previously been named World Rugby Player of the Year twice while playing fly-half, appears to be settling into the full-back position, a role where he performed well against the Bulls.
Ruben Love, who had an impressive performance against the Springboks, is also taking on a new responsibility, preparing to lead the haka ahead of the match against the Sharks. The episode of Behind the Fern also highlights the role of the team doctor, providing insight into the behind-the-scenes work during the demanding South African tour.
Mo’unga’s return is a significant storyline for the All Blacks’ South African tour, as documented in episode seven of Behind the Fern, which offers an inside look at his first days back with the team.
Source: planetrugby.com
