Rennie set to unleash Richie Mo’unga with All Blacks on Lions tour

Richie Mo’unga is in line for his first All Blacks appearance since the 2023 World Cup final when New Zealand face the Lions on Tuesday. The 32-year-old flyhalf has won 56 Tests but has not played for his country since their defeat by the Springboks in that final.

Coach Dave Rennie has ruled out selecting Mo’unga for New Zealand’s opening Test against South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday. However, the flyhalf could be given match minutes against the Lions as he works his way back into the national side.

Mo’unga returned to New Zealand a few months ago after playing in Japan. His route back to All Blacks selection opened when he appeared for Canterbury against Auckland in the NPC on 1 August.

He joined the squad as cover for injured centre Billy Proctor. Rennie said Mo’unga was eager to return and had already spent time studying the All Blacks’ system, with further work planned to bring him up to speed.

The coach also said New Zealand’s 50-19 victory over the Vodacom Bulls had influenced the selection process for the Springboks Test. The match was not the team that will start at Ellis Park, but several strong performances increased competition for places.

New Zealand therefore face a short turnaround before the Saturday fixture, with Rennie acknowledging that the Bulls result had answered some selection questions while creating pressure in other positions. Mo’unga’s immediate opportunity is expected to come against the Lions rather than in the first Test of the campaign.