Hansen says Mo’unga need not play in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry

Steve Hansen believes Richie Mo’unga can have a valuable role with New Zealand even if he does not feature during the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. Ruben Love has won all three of his Test starts in 2026 and remains a strong option at fly-half.

Mo’unga joined the All Blacks’ touring group last week after being selected to replace the injured Billy Proctor. Hansen does not see the move as a direct attempt to displace Love or force the experienced playmaker into the starting team.

The former All Blacks head coach said time around head coach Dave Rennie, the coaching staff and the team’s systems could be more important than an immediate appearance. Mo’unga would then be better prepared when he does get an opportunity to play.

Love has made a positive impression in Mo’unga’s absence, although Hansen believes the 25-year-old is still developing. Damian McKenzie is also performing well, leaving New Zealand with several players competing for influence in the backline.

Hansen used Beauden Barrett’s contribution as an example of how a senior player can affect a team without having a major early role in Test matches. Barrett has started at fly-half and fullback during the South African tour, after initially having limited involvement in the first three Tests of Rennie’s tenure, but still made a significant impact around the group.

The first match of the four-Test series is scheduled for Saturday at Ellis Park. New Zealand enter it after a big win over the Vodacom Bulls, while South Africa’s most recent match was a narrow victory in Argentina two weeks earlier.