Richie Mo'unga returns as New Zealand name team to face Lions

Richie Mo'unga, 32, will return to the New Zealand starting line-up against the Lions at Ellis Park on August 25. Dave Rennie has selected an entirely different starting XV for the final franchise fixture of the tour, following New Zealand’s 33-16 win over the Springboks on Saturday.

Mo'unga has not played for the national team since New Zealand lost to South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. He will form the halfback partnership with Noah Hotham, while Beauden Barrett starts at full-back.

Fehi Fineanganofo and Emoni Narawa have been chosen on the wings, with Rieko Ioane and Timoci Tavatavanawai in midfield. Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the side from the second row alongside Sam Darry, having also led New Zealand in the opening match against the Stormers.

Semisi Ta'eiloa is named at number eight, with Ethan Blackadder and Wallace Sititi completing the back row. Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei'aho and Siale Lauaki make up the front three.

Rennie has selected five forwards and three backs among the replacements. Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, debutant Saula Ma'u and Jamie Hannah are joined by Peter Lakai in the forward cover, while Kyle Preston, Josh Jacomb and Anton Lienert-Brown provide the backline options.

The match comes only three days after the first Test of the tour. Rennie said the squad had handled the short turnaround well and stressed that the Lions would provide another physical challenge. Ma'u’s selection means every player in the touring group will have appeared during the trip.