Richie Mo’unga returns to the All Blacks squad in South Africa ahead of the opening Test against the Springboks, joining the team in Johannesburg following an injury to Billy Proctor. Coach Dave Rennie confirmed the veteran flyhalf will not play against the Vodacom Bulls or in the first Test.
All Blacks first-five Richie Mo’unga is back in the international fold, returning to the squad for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris.
Mo’unga was drafted into the touring party to replace midfielder Billy Proctor, who suffered a tour-ending shoulder blade injury. While his return brings seasoned pedigree back to the camp, coach Dave Rennie made it clear that the veteran requires time to adjust to team structures before stepping back onto the Test pitch.
Dave Rennie Outlines Selection Strategy and Timeline for Mo’unga
The All Blacks coaching staff weighed their midfield cover carefully before bringing Mo’unga on board. Rennie noted that Rieko Ioane’s versatility in covering both wing and centre made the decision easier to bring Mo’unga back into the squad without sacrificing positional depth elsewhere.
Speaking in Johannesburg, Rennie explained that Mo’unga would arrive in the country on Friday, missing both the tour match against the Vodacom Bulls and the first Test against the Springboks.
“By the time Richie arrives, the first three provincial games are gone. And we felt him coming in and immersing himself, getting his head around our structures and the detail within that would be really beneficial. And, you know, he’s a player who is good enough to apply pressure for selection at some stage. So 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 there.”
Dave Rennie, All Blacks coach
Before placing the call to Mo’unga, Rennie met with all four flyhalves currently on tour to discuss the decision and ensure transparency across the group.
Ruben Love Holds the Jersey as Mo’unga Embraces Mentorship Role
During Mo’unga’s absence from the international scene, Hurricanes playmaker Ruben Love has anchored the All Blacks No. 10 jersey, starting all four Test matches under Rennie thus far. Mo’unga voiced strong admiration for Love’s development during the 2026 season.
Rather than agitating for an immediate start, the returning veteran views his current mandate as twofold: absorbing the team’s updated tactical framework and lending his experience to the younger squad members.
“Coming back into this team, it’s not about trying to get back into the 10 jersey; it’s really about nailing my role at this moment, and my role is getting to grips with how the team plays, the new environment, meeting coaches for the first time, and giving a helping hand where I can; prepping the boys for an awesome Test yesterday.”
Richie Mo’unga, All Blacks first-five
Rennie echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Love retains the starting role on merit while acknowledging the healthy internal competition Mo’unga injects into the squad.
“Richie’s the logical replacement, because of the quality of the player. And I’m not sure when he’ll play tests fully for us, but coming in now and spending time in the environment will accelerate that option.”
Dave Rennie, All Blacks coach
Looking Ahead to the Lions Clash at Ellis Park
The immediate focus for the All Blacks centers on finalizing preparations for their upcoming fixture. The team features a blend of established talent and emerging depth, with Damian McKenzie primarily utilized at 15 and Josh Jacomb set for an opportunity to start over the weekend.
For Mo’unga, the transition back into a black jersey represents the culmination of mental preparation that spanned his three-year stint overseas. While he sits out the opening battle against South Africa, his presence on the training paddock signals the opening salvo of a positional battle for the remainder of the tour.
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