Richie Mo'unga Returns to All Blacks Starting XV to Face Lions

Richie Mo’unga returns to the All Blacks starting XV for Wednesday’s clash against the Lions at Ellis Park, marking his first test appearance in nearly three years following three seasons in Japan. Head coach Dave Rennie also named uncapped prop Saula Ma’u on the bench for the Johannesburg fixture.

The Turning Point in Japan That Brought Mo’unga Back to Test Rugby

When Richie Mo’unga left New Zealand following the 2023 World Cup final defeat to the Springboks by a single point, his test career paused for three seasons of club rugby with Toshiba in Japan’s League One. During that stint, he claimed two League One titles, but the distant test arena continued to call to him. The 32-year-old had not played a test since the 2023 World Cup final.

The catalyst for his return happened during a quiet evening watching European rugby from abroad. The urge and burning desire to test himself against the world’s best once more crystallized during a broadcast of the Six Nations tournament.

“It was sitting in Japan one night watching Six Nations knowing there’s no better feeling than being in the arena,” Mo’unga said. “When you’re watching test matches over in Europe and watching the All Blacks play you never get that feeling. One reason for coming back was to win a World Cup but to not have any regrets of wishing I gave it another crack or thinking there was more to give.”

Photo: sabcsport.com

Richie Mo’unga, via 1News

Listening to the New Zealand anthem at Ellis Park and watching the All Blacks pull off another upset triumph over the Springboks stirred the emotions. Mo’unga said he knew he missed it but coming back in you realise that this is a really special circle to be in, adding that he is savouring every moment and not going to take these things for granted because there’s an awesome buzz in this group.

The 56-Test veteran committed to New Zealand Rugby on an 18-month contract rather than a two-year deal, stepping back into domestic play with Canterbury in the NPC while waiting for an injury call-up exemption to rejoin the national squad in South Africa. Early on, he noted there were so many different scenarios of how the year could pan out, but the one thing he knew is he could only control what he could control.

Looking back at the last couple of months, Mo’unga described it as the perfect way to come back into this environment, having two NPC games, getting back into some rhythm back home, back in the Canterbury team, and then back in here. He stated that he wanted to be here but was at peace with what was going on.

Navigating a Changed Squad and a New Playmaker Heir

Mo’unga returns to a significantly different environment than the one he left. In his absence, the All Blacks underwent two coaching transitions, moving from Ian Foster to Scott Robertson, and eventually to current head coach Dave Rennie. Under Rennie, Ruben Love seized the number 10 jersey, engineering four straight unbeaten tests. Mo’unga said his job now was to support, not compete for the shirt, noting he has been so impressed with how Ruben Love has played.

Richie Mo’unga will play his first match for the All Blacks in three years. Photosport — Photo: NZ Herald

Sport Nation host and former All Black Izzy Dagg noted the anticipation surrounding the playmaker’s reintegration. Everyone will be looking to see what Richie Mo is able to produce, his first time in the All Black jersey since 2023, Dagg said. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Richie in the 10 position for the All Blacks, so very exciting, plenty to play for.

Ellis Park Selection and Matchday Lineup Adjustments

Rennie’s lineup for the fixture against the Lions features four changes to the starting XV following Saturday’s opening test against the Springboks, including the returns of Mo’unga and halfback Noah Hotham, with lock Patrick Tuipulotu again captaining the team. Mo’unga will guide a backline featuring Emoni Narawa, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Fehi Fineanganofo and Beauden Barrett at fullback.

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The reserves bench brings fresh personnel into the mix. Saula Ma’u will make his All Blacks debut at loosehead prop, while Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah have been named on the bench after flying into South Africa as injury cover. Kyle Preston will again provide impact from the bench and becomes the only player to have featured in every match on the ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ tour, alongside Peter Lakai and Anton Lienert-Brown backing up after playing in Saturday’s test.

“Firstly, I want to congratulate Saula on making his All Blacks debut. With the naming of this matchday 23, everyone currently in the squad will have played on tour, which is great for creating depth and competition for places in the Test team.”

Dave Rennie, All Blacks Head Coach, via Sport Nation

Rennie expects another physical contest just three days after the Springboks test, but says the entire squad has contributed to the preparation and they know they will have to be at their very best again. The All Blacks face the Lions at Ellis Park on Wednesday, August 26, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 am NZT.